Category Archives: Teresa Giudice

Jul1

June 30, 2023 – Curtis Confronts Jordan, Returning, New Gig, Copy Cannoli, Shams Now, Runway, Vander This, Real Bonkers, Midyear Roll Call, Pick a Trailer, Winning, Mixed Quotes, Pet (!) Safety & Carry On

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Spencer leaves a message for Trina to call him, when Esme walks in with an ice pack. He screams at her to get out.

Finn says he’s sorry, and Elizabeth asks what he’s apologizing for. He says he’s not sure, but he thought he should, and she says, he has nothing to be sorry for. Tonight was really… Violet runs in, calling, daddy! and Finn asks, what’s wrong? She says, Aunt Elizabeth can’t leave; not yet.

Sonny thanks Sasha for coming by, and she says, of course (🍷). She always loves spending time with him. He asks if he can get her anything, but she says she’s good. She’s curious as to what he wanted to talk about, and he says, her future.

In Portia’s office, Trina hears Spencer yell at Esme to get out, and he says, sorry. He’ll call her later. Portia comes in and apologizes for keeping her waiting; she wanted to talk to Trina. Trina says she wanted to talk to Portia too, and Portia says, about Spencer? Trina says, no, about Curtis. She knows what he did.

Zeke calls Jordan and says he knows it’s late notice, but is she free for dinner tonight? She says she’s free, but she has no interest in spending time with him, and he asks if she doesn’t think they should clear the air. She says, as far as she’s concerned, the air is crystal clear; they’re done. There’s a knock at her office door, and she tells Zeke to hold on. She says, yes? and Curtis walks in.

Austin kisses Ava, and she pushes him away. But then she changes her mind and kisses him. Suddenly, they’re in the bedroom getting busy. Alrighty then.

Elizabeth asks if Violet had a bad dream, and Violet nods. Finn asks if it was the shadow again, and she says, it was. It was scary. She tried to find Finn, but she couldn’t. Aunt Elizabeth was gone too. He says, they’re both right here for her, and Elizabeth says, her dad has been here the whole time. They’ve both been here. Violet says, what if she falls asleep again? What if the shadow comes back, and she can’t find either of them again? Finn kisses the top of her head and tells her, it’s okay.

Sasha says, that wasn’t at all what she expected Sonny to say, and he tells her that he and Gladys were talking. She told him that Sasha was ready to end the guardianship. Sasha says, that is true. She’ll forever be grateful to Gladys for everything she’s done, but she doesn’t want to be a burden on her anymore. Sonny says, she’s not a burden to anyone. They just care about her and want to see her get on her own two feet. She says, that means a lot, but her decision is just partly about Gladys. She just thinks it’s time. He says, what if he told her that Gladys thinks she’s not ready, and she asks if Gladys came to see him about her. Sonny says, Gladys thinks she’s rushing things and she’s worried, and Sasha says, so is she.

Spencer says he told Esme that he was fine; now go. She says she’s not going anywhere. He could have a broken rib or internal bleeding. He says he has neither, and she says, because of all the medical expertise he has? What happened to him anyway? Did someone attack him? He says, we just got in a little fight, and she asks, who is we? Someone he knows or did he get in a fight with a complete stranger? He asks if it would matter. What does she care? She throws the ice bag, hitting him, and he yells, ow! She asks if he thought about what it would mean if he got hurt or arrested. Did he even stop and think what it would mean? He says, it happened kind of fast, and she says, then they answer is no. He didn’t think.  

Jordan tells Zeke that she’s sorry, but she can’t talk right now, and hangs up. She says she can guess what Curtis is here about, and he says, it’s not to get in an argument if that’s what she’s thinking. She says, good. He shouldn’t be angry. Not at her anyway. He says he just can’t understand why she’d tell Portia about their kiss when they agreed that it was best they keep it to themselves. If she changed her mind, why didn’t she talk to him first? She says she tried to warn him, and he says, right. Then she decided she knew what was best, and telling Portia couldn’t wait. She says she didn’t say a thing to Portia about their kiss. She never wanted Portia to find out at all. He says, if she didn’t tell Portia, who did?

Portia tells Trina, obviously, she’s very hurt. She and Curtis both made mistakes. Trina asks why Portia wants to let him off the hook that easy, but Portia says she’s not letting him off the hook. This is complicated. Trina says, he kissed another woman – his ex-wife. Why isn’t she angry at him? Portia asks why Trinia is getting all riled up about this? And Trina says, it was wrong. Is Portia really going to roll over and let him treat her like this? Portia says, this has nothing to do with Trina.

Like the Burger King employee who starts cleaning around your table while you’re still eating, Ava makes the bed around Austin. He asks if she’s really making the bed now; he’s still in it. She picks up his clothes, and wonders where his other sock is, and he says, on the sconce. She retrieves it, and he says, this is weird. Is this her thing? Is this like a post-coital clean-up thing? He’s okay with it, but it’s a little neurotic. She says she’s not neurotic, and he says, she’s orderly? She’s neat? She’s tidy, right? Is she coming back to bed? She looks at him, and he says, all right. Not too long ago, they were almost yelling at each other and were at each other’s throats, and they decided to do something else. Is that something they need to talk about? Ava says, they’re done talking, and she’s not coming back to bed. He’s leaving – she tosses his clothes at him – now.

Finn says he’ll be here if Violet needs him for anything, and she asks if Aunt Elizabeth can come in with him. He says, Aunt Elizabeth has to go home to her kids, but he promises she’ll come in and say goodnight before she leaves. She says she likes it when Aunt Elizabeth is here. Doesn’t he?

Jordan says she’s not getting in the middle of this. This is between Curtis and Portia. He asks if she’s respecting boundaries after the damage is already done, and she says, he can believe her or not. He says, she obviously knew it was coming. Otherwise, why would she try to warn him? If she didn’t tell Portia, who did? N’neka? She was at the club that night. Jordan asks if he really thinks N’neka saw them kissing and then went running to tell Portia, and he asks what he’s supposed to think. Who else could it have been? She says, it was his brother-in-law. Zeke is the one who told Portia.

Trina asks why Portia is trying to protect her. She’s not a child anymore. Portia says, Trina is always going to be her child. And she’s not protecting Trina in the way Trina thinks. Trust her. This is her attempt at being fair. She’s a grown woman and needs to figure out her relationship with Curtis on her own. Trina says, why? She’s right here. Portia can tell her anything. Portia says she appreciates Trina for saying that, but she doesn’t want Trina involved in any issues that she has, with Curtis or with her marriage. She doesn’t want Trina to have to think about that. She doesn’t want her to have baggage when she’s dealing with Curtis. Trina shouldn’t have to be taking sides or keeping secrets or any of that. She doesn’t want Trina to worry about any of this. Trina’s phone rings, and Trina looks at it and puts it back down, saying, it’s just Spencer. Portia says, she usually can’t pick up the phone fast enough for Spencer. Is she feeling okay? Did they have a fight? Trina says, no, they didn’t, but Spencer did.

Esme comes back into Spencer’s room, reading from her phone that rib fractures can have short term consequences, such as severe pain while breathing, pneumonia, or death. He says he thought she didn’t want to be around him, and she says, long term consequences are also possible, such as, decreased lung function and chronic pain. How is he going to yell at people if his lungs are damaged. Did he ever think of that? He says he didn’t realize she cared so much, and she says she’s calling a doctor, but he says, don’t do that. He doesn’t have a broken rib. She says, he might not know that until symptoms develop later, and he says, if they do, he’ll contact a doctor at that time. Please stop worrying about him. She tells him, who says she’s worried? She just doesn’t want to have to take him to the emergency room in the middle of the night. It would throw off Ace’s whole sleep schedule. He says, his mistake. It’s not about him, which makes sense, because in her eyes, he’s not worth worrying about. To her, he’s always going to be his father’s son.

Ava tries to toss Austin his keys, but misses, and they end up on the floor. She says, take a hint, will you? and he says, she’s throwing him out. She says, nothing gets by him, and he says, except his keys. They laugh, and she says, they both know this was a mistake, but they’re adults and can skillfully pretend it didn’t happen. Now get a move on. His shoes are next, and she’ll have much better aim. He says, she doesn’t need to do that. He doesn’t want to stay somewhere he’s not wanted. But just so she knows, he feels what went on here wasn’t a mistake. She says, if it weren’t for Nikolas’s accidental death, they wouldn’t even be here. They would hardly know each other. He says, but they do know each other, and they are here. And he thinks there are actual literal scratches on his back that let him know she thinks there are worse ways to spend an evening.

Finn says, yes, he likes when Elizabeth is here, but doesn’t Violet think her cousins would miss Elizabeth if she was here all the time? She says, they could come too, or she and Finn could go there, and he says, oh boy. Elizabeth comes out of the kitchen, and asks how Violet would like some of her special sleepy time magic milk. Finn asks how she knew about that, and she says, all the moms know. Violet asks if she put in the secret ingredient, and Elizabeth says, of course (🍷). It wouldn’t be magic without it. Violet takes a sip, and says, it tastes different than when daddy makes it. Aunt Elizabeth’s is better… but his is good too.

Sasha says she thinks she’s doing the right thing by ending her guardianship, but she wishes she was sure, and Sonny asks what doubts she’s having. She says, some days she feels strong and confident and healthy, and other days are just so-so; everything feels off. It feels like she’s just pretending to hold it together. Those don’t bother her so much. She’s used to those. He says, they all have so-so days, and she says, those aren’t the days that scare her. The days that terrify her are the bad days; the days when the darkness just comes back, because it will happen for no reason at all. She’ll be putting sugar in her coffee, then suddenly she’ll remember when she was pregnant and couldn’t have caffeine. It was the worst, but it was totally worth it. She loved her baby so much, and couldn’t wait to meet him. Then she’s remembering her baby is gone, and the sadness just takes over, and it just feels like a weight pressing down on her heart, and it scares her. She doesn’t know, was that a memory or was it just a delusion? Did she somehow think she was pregnant again? He says, they both know what grief does. It plays tricks on your mind, and messes with your sense of time. Sasha says, that’s what she thinks too. The next day might be so-so again, and the day after that might be good. So does it scare her thinking about being on her own again and making her own decisions? Yes, but something inside of her is telling her that she’s ready, and she thinks it’s time she starts listening to that voice. Maybe she’s making a mistake. What does he think? Does he think she’s doing the wrong thing in trusting herself?

Austin says he can see that Ava doesn’t want to discuss their relationship, and she says, they don’t even have a relationship. They’re being blackmailed together; that’s it. He says he does enjoy her company, and she says, they were yelling at each other just a while ago. He says, almost. They were trying to release some of the pressure, and clearly some tension… She says, he’s really sure of himself, but he says, not at all. It’s just really difficult for him to let people in. He doesn’t want to speak for her, but it’s hard to make a human connection. He’s just saying, let’s be honest, and admit to one another they just had a profound physical connection. She says, he lied to her. He kidnapped her daughter, and how he’s saying she owes him honesty? He says he can see where she’s going with this. Under certain terms… She says, a little advice for him. Don’t ever pull a stunt like that again. Because if he does, the next body she dumps in the stables is going to be his.

Esme tells Spencer that she doesn’t know much about Nikolas, except he kept her locked in a tower because he wanted to keep her baby away from her. She knows if given the chance, Spencer would do the same. Spencer flashes back to looking at the fake evidence and saying, just in case. He says he just wants to take care of his brother, and she says, that’s the difference between him and Nikolas. At least he’s here. Nikolas isn’t, and since they moved into Spencer’s grandmother’s, he’s been pretty reliable. Up until now. What happened tonight? He says he got into a fight with Josslyn’s new boyfriend. She says, why? and he says, because he was angry. Because he doesn’t like him. He doesn’t like what he did. Josslyn was dating Cameron when she met Dex, and she was still seeing him when Josslyn and Dex got together for the first time. She asks why he’s mad at Dex. Isn’t it Josslyn… He says, she wouldn’t understand; there’s more to it than that. He doesn’t understand why they’re talking about this, because she’s literally the last person he wants to confide in. She says, well, that’s dumb. Because she might be the only person who actually understands. He says, why is that? and she says, because she does it too. She gets angry. She lashes out. She makes choices she regrets. She makes mistakes, and the worst part is that when she does, everyone is just looking around judging her, like, oh look, here she goes again to her old lying ways. I knew she couldn’t be trusted. He says, and you’ve confirmed all of their worst suspicions about you, and she says, and they have no idea the entire time you were just trying to do the right thing.

Trina says, last night, she went to the Highsider, and Portia says, the biker bar where Oz Haggerty worked? Trina says, they were looking for evidence to prove Esme is guilty, and Portia says, let her guess. This little excursion was Spencer’s idea? Trina says, not exactly, and Portia says she doesn’t even care whose idea it was. She doesn’t like Trina going to that place. Trina says she wasn’t going to that place. Anyway, Joss had the same idea. She brought Dex, and Spencer picked a fight again. Portia says, so it looks like Spencer is back to his old ways, and Trina says, yes. She doesn’t even recognize him anymore. Portia says, really? Because she can. To her, he will always be the boy who lied to her daughter and put her in harm’s way.

Curtis asks how Zeke knew what happened between him and Jordan, and she says she told him. Curtis asks why she did that, and she says she didn’t know who he was. She just found out Curtis was moving back in with Portia, and needed someone to talk to. Zeke was just a friendly stranger with a sympathetic ear. They met at the MetroCourt, and she started venting. She didn’t use any names. She just told him that she’d kissed her ex, but it wasn’t going anywhere. He says, if she didn’t use any names, how did he figure it out? and she says, Portia introduced them. It didn’t take Zeke long to put two and two together. She told him to keep it to himself, but he said he had to tell her. Curtis doesn’t understand how she could tell a perfect stranger something so personal about them. It’s just not like her. She says she needed someone to confide in. He had Portia, and she was all alone. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, now that he knows, she doesn’t see what else there is to talk about. She opens the door, and Zeke is there. No surprise.

Jordan says, she didn’t have time to talk to Zeke on the phone. What made him think she had time for him to come by her office. He says he didn’t know Curtis was going to be here. Didn’t Curtis tell his sister that it was over between him and Jordan? Curtis says, that’s none of his business. Doesn’t he think he’s caused enough problems between him and Portia? Zeke says he wouldn’t have gotten involved if Curtis had just been honest with Portia from the beginning, and Curtis says he bets Zeke just can’t wait to run back to Portia and tell her that he was here. Zeke says, after what Curtis put his sister through, what does he expect? and Curtis says he expects Zeke to keep his damn mouth shut, or he and Curtis are going to have a problem.

Trina says she remembers how Spencer treated her, but he’s changed, and Portia says, has he though? Because the fight Trina’s describing makes her think he’s still working on it. Trina says, Portia thinks she’s being naïve, but Portia tells her that she didn’t say that. Portia tells Trina that she sees what Trina’s saying with Spencer. He has made significant strides in growing up since Trina’s met him. Largely because of Trina. Trina says, yes, he has, and Portia says, he’s more mature now, asking for help when he needs it… and he seems like he’s really taking the responsibility of Ace seriously with Esme. And Esme’s even seriously open to taking a parenting class with Spencer, which goes to show his responsibility, right? That’s a good sign. But by the look on Trina’s face, maybe it’s not a good sign? Trina says she’s glad Spencer is being responsible toward Ace, and Portia says, but what? Trina says, it’s nothing, but Portia says she’s Trina’s mom; she knows Trina. Trina can talk to her. Trina says she doesn’t care about the class. She can’t stand the thought of Spencer spending even one extra second with Esme.

Spencer says, sounds like they’re both trying to be better people, and Esme says, he’s just now figuring that out? Yes. Obviously, she’s been trying to be better. She takes the ice, and puts it on his side, and he holds it there. He says, it’s possible he hasn’t been giving her much of a chance, but she says, it’s not a big deal. She sits on the bed, and says she actually gets why it might be hard for him. He says, for him, why? and she says, he actually remembers the terrible person he was. She has to be told about herself over and over. He says, that’s hard, and she says, constantly hearing what a terrible person you are from everyone. He’s the only one who never talks about their history. They dated in boarding school, right? He sits on the other end of the bed, and says, for like a year. He doesn’t like to remember that time. She says, understandable. But tell her, were they really these awful people, destroying everything they touched? He laughs and says, no, not always. He was very unhappy when they met. He was estranged from his father and had a big chip on his shoulder because of that. He didn’t have any friends; just people who wanted to get close to him because he had money. So he was a bit of a jerk because of that. She says, him? A jerk? No way. He says he met her, and she really listened to him, and she took an interest in his life and didn’t just tell him what he wanted to hear because he’s a Cassadine. He started to depend on her, more than he thinks she knew, but none of it was real. She was manipulating him the entire time. She was his first love, and she was just using him.

Elizabeth asks how Violet is, and Finn says, finally asleep. Apparently, her milk is more magical than his. She says, cinnamon, and he says he can’t thank her enough. She’s really good with Violet. Elizabeth says she’s glad he feels that way. She was hoping she wasn’t overstepping with her magic milk. He says, not at all, and she says her boys are growing up. With Cameron all the way in California, she’s just been feeling it lately. He says, they’ll always need her, and she says she knows, but not in the same way. She guesses she has to let them grow up at some point; at least she’s been told. He says, Violet’s always here if her momage gets too strong. Violet always loves seeing her. She says, be careful. She’ll be over here every night making magic milk… She’s kidding. He says he knows, and they both get up and start talking at the same time. He says, she needs to get home to the boys, and she says she should. Even though they won’t be nearly as happy to see her as Violet was. He says, Violet, and him.

Sonny tells Sasha, know what he thinks? She didn’t tell him that she’s fine, she doesn’t need anybody, and she’s all better. She says she only wishes she were that confident, but he says, that’s a good thing. If she would have said that, he’d say she needed to spend a few more months with Gladys. In his experience, people who say everything’s great all the time usually aren’t. You can’t be great all the time, especially after what she’s gone through. She can handle a lot more than she thinks. That’s why he thinks it’s time for her to be on her own.

Zeke tells Curtis not to get mad at him because he kissed Jordan. He had to tell Portia. Curtis would have done the same thing if he’d been in Zeke’s position. Curtis says, that’s not what he’s talking about. Zeke told Trina – right after he found out Trina was his daughter – to steer clear of him? Zeke says he didn’t even get into any specifics with Curtis’s daughter, and Curtis says, that’s even worse, because he let her imagination run wild. She was just beginning to trust him. Zeke says, maybe she shouldn’t, and Jordan says, neither one of them should be trusted. Curtis asks her to remind him just how she and Zeke met in the first place.

Esme says she’s starting to see why Spencer’s so angry with her, but he says he’s angrier with himself for letting himself be manipulated by her. Esme tells him, sure, the old Esme was calculating, but she seriously doubts someone could fake a relationship for a whole year. He asks who she’s trying to make feel better, him or her? and she says, maybe both? She gets up, and says she thinks the old Esme must have really liked him… just a little. He says, it’s doubtful… Although… No. She says, what? and he says, there was this one time, he was trying to figure out what to get her for her birthday, so he was asking around. He asked the same friends who were leeching off him for money, and they told him that he should get her jewelry. Something expensive, which makes sense. So he did – she says, generous – but then there was this snow globe he got when he was a kid, and he’d taken it with him to school. It was so cheesy; two skiers on top of a mountain with a log cabin and fir trees. It was hideous. He doesn’t know why she liked it, but she did. She played with it every single time she came into his room. He couldn’t for the life of him figure out why. So at the last minute, he grabbed that as well. She says, instead of the jewelry? but he says he gave her both, just to be safe. Don’t get him wrong; she loved the jewelry. But her face when she saw the snow globe, the expression was pure joy. He’d never seen anything like it. He still can’t figure out why someone would have liked a regifted snow globe so much. She laughs and says she can. The old Esme really liked him.

Trina tells Portia, it wouldn’t bother her so much if it was anyone other than Esme. After what Esme did to her, Joss, and Cam, the thought of Esme being with Spencer makes her sick. Portia says, Esme needs to pay for her crimes, and hopefully, the evidence can be found to bring her to justice, but the PCPD have been down this road already, and they came up empty. Maybe they’ll never find anything. Hold on. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t they have evidence, and a collective decision was made to hold off on that? Trina says, then what? Esme will just be in her life forever? Portia says, no one can predict the future, but if Spencer’s in Trina’s life and Ace is in his, then Esme will be in hers.

Esme says, if Spencer wants to get some rest, she can take the night shift with Ace, and he says, that would be great, thanking her. She walks to the door, and says, oh. Would he be willing to take a parenting class with her at the hospital? She wouldn’t ask, but Dr. Robinson thought it would be helpful… He says, it’s for Ace, right? and she says, exactly. He says, just let him know, and she thanks him, telling him to keep the ice on for another ten minutes. She leaves, and in the hallway, she smiles.

Trina says she can’t accept that Esme is going to be in her life. She wants to be with Spencer… At least she thought she did. Just not like this, spending all of his time with Esme, or raising a child on his own. Portia says, that’s what she’s been trying to get Trina to see. She has to have her own life. She’s smart and beautiful, and has so many opportunities. She has this whole big world she hasn’t tapped into yet. Please don’t make it smaller. Not when she doesn’t have to.

Curtis says he sees what’s going on here, and Zeke tells him, back off. It’s none of his business. Jordan says she can handle her own ex-husband, thank you. But Zeke’s right. Stay out of it. Curtis says, what happens between Jordan and Zeke is none of his business, but what happens with his daughter is. Zeke better think twice before he interferes again. Curtis walks out, and Zeke says, that was awkward. Now that he’s gone, they should talk. She says, there’s nothing to discuss. He knows the way out. He leaves.

Sasha says she’s glad they had this talk. She wasn’t sure she was making the right decision. He says, you never know if it’s the right decision, but she’s on the right track. She’s on her own, but he’s always here to back her, and he thinks Gladys is too. They hug, and he tells her to get out of here and live her life. She thanks him.

Elizabeth says she had a good time too, and Finn says, what she got was an eight-year-old’s version of the perfect date. He can’t thank her enough for letting Violet do that. She says, it was fun, and he says he’d drive her home, but… She says, his baby’s asleep, and she drove herself here. They say goodnight, and she leaves.

Austin says, if he leaves now he has to wake the boat launching guy. Wouldn’t it be better if he spent the night? She says, he could swim, as she hustles him out the door, but he says he’s exhausted, and he thinks she knows why. In fact, he’s willing to bet she’s going to sleep pretty soundly tonight. She closes the door in his face, and smiles.

Tomorrow, Sasha asks when Gladys is going to admit the truth; Mac tells Dante that something interesting crossed his desk; Sonny tells Drew to keep his eyes open and his chin up; and Cyrus says, Drew’s place is with them.

💣 Bible Thumping Bad Guy…

The second I heard Pentenville, I knew it.

Jeff Kober Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

💰 A Little Typecasting…

Except this time, he’ll be playing a real-life entitled brat.

GH’s Nicholas Chavez Lands an Exciting New Role!

👩🏻‍🍳 Anything But the Cannoli…

Everyone involved has too much time on their hands.

RHONJ Star Teresa Giudice is Accused of Copying Kathy Wakile’s Cannoli Recipe, See Her Video as Fans React

💳 Gone But Not Forgotten…

I loved this show, although the fight between MJ and Reza was brutal.

Mercedes ‘MJ’ Javid and Tommy Feight Share a Family Update

👗 Ruling the Runway…

This week’s Project Runway. This site’s recaps are the best. It’s odd I would like this show so much, since I can’t sew worth a damn. In the same vein, there are endless cooking shows I also enjoy. I guess those who can’t do, watch other people doing.

‘Project Runway’ 20 episode 4 recap: On ‘Coronation Day,’ who was the most regal and who got royally screwed? [LIVE BLOG]

🍸 VanderStuff…

The fans aren’t having it.

Fans React to Vanderpump Rules Spinoff News

I have no doubt the producers pump (no pun intended) up the drama, although I find the editing tactics more off-putting. Especially the thing about the galaxy lights. This site and I don’t see eye to eye on who the bad guys are on several shows either.

Pump Rules Producers Accused of Instigating Drama With Raquel Leviss

Heaven forbid this should ever happen, but they’re spot-on with their choices.

Our Dream Casting for a Scandoval Movie

🐻 Out There…

I don’t remember most of these, and didn’t watch much of the ones I remember. It’s probably just as well.

The Most Bonkers Reality TV Shows of All Time

🥀 So Far This Year…

Only six months in, and it’s already an unbelievably long list. I was sad to hear Alan Arkin passed today. If you’ve never seen The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, you’re missing a classic and an amazing performance by him.

https://ew.com/celebrity/stars-we-lost-in-2023-celebrity-deaths/

📽 Trailer Yourself…

You know I love the Barbie one.

https://ew.com/movies/best-movie-trailers-2023-golden-trailer-awards/

🐕 So Ugly They’re Cute…

There are no ugly dogs, but if there were, these would win. Please note there was a Pekingese finalist this year.

https://people.com/photos-2023-ugliest-dog-contest-winners-7553615

🐡 Quotes of the Week

The ability to discipline yourself to delay gratification in the short term in order to enjoy greater rewards in the long term, is the indispensable prerequisite for success. – Brian Tracy

Never stop just because you feel defeated. The journey to the other side is attainable only after great suffering. – Santosh Kalwar

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love – then make that day count! – Steve Maraboli

I’m a dirt person. I trust the dirt. I don’t trust diamonds and gold. – Eartha Kitt

The best revenge is to be unlike those who performed the injury. – Marcus Aurelius

Having a cat is exactly like not having a cat except sometimes you see a cat. – @uberjnet, Twitter

No man is great enough or wise enough for any of us to surrender our destiny to. The only way in which anyone can lead us is to restore to us the belief in our own guidance. – Henry Miller

The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for. – Bob Marley

They’re filming this, Kevin. Shut up. – a hoarder to her husband on Hoarding: Buried Alive

That’s the trouble with your whole MTV, microwave dinner generation. You want it all now. You think you deserve it just because you want it? It doesn’t work like that. You have to earn it, you have to take it, you have to make it yours. but before you do that, Guy, you need to decide what it is you really want. – Buddy Ackerman (Kevin Spacey), Swimming with Sharks

🎆 Declaring My Independence…

There’s no soap or Deck on Monday, and I have no clue about Tuesday, since that’s the actual 4th, so see you whenever the soap falls next. Until then, stay safe, stay enjoying your 4th of July weekend, and stay not saying you’re great all the time if you really aren’t.

Jun24

June 23, 2023 – Judge Kim Overrides Drew’s Sentence, Sketchy, Memorable, VanderFilming, Ranks On Deck, Next Fear, Back In, Other Gigs, Shark Boss, Super Rescue, Twice Three Quotes & Out

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Judge Kim sentences Drew to three years, and Carly jumps up, saying, no! You can’t do that.

Ned says, Deanna seems like a really nice person. Trust him. He doesn’t belong here. He feels fantastic. Ask the shrink. Deanna says she just needs to check his vitals, and she’ll be out of his hair, calling him Mr. Quartermaine. He says, Eddie. It’s Eddie Maine.

Doc goes over to the waiting area, and Olivia asks if she’s getting her husband back. Brook asks if her dad is going to be okay, and Doc says, those are all valid questions. He’s afraid he doesn’t know how to say this… Brook says, no. Her father really believes he’s Eddie Maine? Doc says, he doesn’t just believe it. He is Eddie Maine.

Tracy says, so Brook’s solution to rid her son of his delusions is to lean into them? and Alexis tells her, she’s simply saying, if Tracy would let Ned try to work this out on his own, in his own time without constant opposition from her – Gregory comes down the hall and ducks behind the corner, listening – it might help him get better a little faster. Tracy asks when Alexis got her therapist certification. Did they hand it out with her last sobriety chip? Alexis says, you’re impossible, and Tracy says, you’re an idiot. Alexis says, charming, and Tracy says, and by the way, you’d think Alexis’s twelve steps would teach her not to impose her neuroses on Tracy’s son. Gregory comes out, and tells Tracy, he was too much of a gentleman to say it last time, but back the hell off.

Lucy tells Sasha that she wants to apologize for bringing up all that Cody stuff earlier. She was bad, and promises to never do it again. Sasha thanks her, and Lucy says, except it would be great if… Sasha says, Lucy… and Lucy says, Cody could be just snapped up like that by somebody else. Sasha says, don’t be greedy; she has a guy. Lucy says she does, and she wouldn’t trade Marty for anything. At the beginning, it’s kind of delicious, when you’re wondering, not knowing… Sasha says she always found it torturous, but Lucy says, not her. Even as a little girl, she’d get a daisy and do that old petal pluck thing. He loves me, he loves me not… Martin shows up with a bouquet of daisies, and says, he definitely loves you, kissing her.

At The Savoy, Sonny says, nothing’s too good for the woman he’s going to marry, and he and Nina clink champagne glasses. She says, he’s making her blush; no easy task. He tells her, get used to it, when Dex walks in with Josslyn. They come over to Sonny’s table, and Dex says, it looks like they had the same idea. Josslyn asks if Sonny knows how it’s going for Drew and her mom.

Judge Kim says, one more outburst and he’ll have Carly removed, and Carly says she’s sorry, but there must be some kind of mistake. There was a deal on the table. They agreed six months in Spring Ridge, not three years. The judge says, there was a deal in place, however, sentencing is up to the court; not just duration, but location. Due to the gravity of the charges, the court has decided Andrew Cain will serve out those three years in Pentenville Penitentiary.

Tracy says, Gregory has a habit of sticking his nose in other people’s conversations, and Alexis thanks him, but says she doesn’t need defending from Tracy. She’s had years of practice. She sees Gregory has had some experience with her too. Gregory says, they just met the other day, when she was berating his son Chase, and Tracy asks if he means when she was reminding Chase of everything her granddaughter did to get him reinstated as a cop. And they’re back together, so you’re welcome. Feel free to apologize any time. He says he was hoping to clear the air when he saw her again, but after seeing how she treated his friend here, he thinks she’s entitled to something else from him. Tracy asks what that would be, and he says, a lesson in etiquette. He’d be happy to teach her free of charge. Alexis smiles.

Brook says, it’s only temporary, right? Her dad will be her dad again. Olivia says, of course (🍷) he will. He’ll be back to being impossible and lovable as ever… Right? Doc says he wishes he could tell them everything will be back to normal in no time, but he can’t. As she knows, Dr. Ashford ordered a battery of neurological tests, and the team has gone over the results. They’re dealing with a traumatic brain injury. But the neurological indicators and the behavior of the patient himself would indicate something else, something more than a simple case of memory loss. Olivia asks him to break it down, and Doc says, for everything they’ve learned about the human brain, it’s still a mystery. For some reason, Ned’s brain has superimposed over the thoughts and feelings of Ned Quartermaine, with the thoughts and feelings of…

Ned tells Deanna, Eddie Maine. M-A-I-N-E, like the state. He’s telling her, there’s nothing wrong with him – Deanna reaches into her pocket for a syringe – that some fresh air and a room of his own won’t cure. So please, get him out of here. She says, of course (🍷) she will, and injects him. He asks what she gave him, and immediately conks out.

Lucy asks how Martin knew she was thinking about daisies, and he says, it’s a lucky coincidence. He’s using her favorite flower to apologize for being so incredibly busy lately. After today, he promises his clients are going to be breathing a whole lot easier, and he can spend time on them. She says, he is a winner. He’s definitely the best lawyer in town. He says, it’s not his client’s case, but they definitely have a stake in the outcome, and Sasha asks who they are; anyone she knows? Martin flashes back to telling Nina that he’ll do everything in his power to make sure no one knows it was her who tipped off the SEC about Drew and Carly, and tells Sasha that he’s sorry. Attorney/client privilege, and he’s already said too much. What are they up to? Lucy says, Deception and more Deception, but specifically, The Deceptor. Sasha says, sales are through the roof. It seems their clients really appreciate a product that does what it promises to do. Lucy agrees, and says, she promises The Deceptor is going to change the lives of women, men, and human beings everywhere, especially the three humans sitting at this table. And to think she owes it all to him.

Sonny says he hasn’t heard anything from the courthouse, and Josslyn says she’s just glad her mom isn’t facing prison time, thanks to Drew. Nina says, it was very noble of Drew, and Josslyn says, some people know how to put aside their needs for the sake of others. Sonny asks if he can talk to Josslyn a second, and she says, sure. They step away, and Dex sits down. Nina says, they really haven’t had a chance to get to know each other. Now that she and Sonny are… Why don’t they start at the beginning. Please call her Nina. Despite what he might have heard about her, they want the same thing.

Carly asks why the judge would sentence Drew to Pentenville. He hasn’t committed a violent crime; he hasn’t committed a crime at all. This is one big mistake. Judge Kim tells Carly, sit down before I knock you down he holds her in contempt, and Drew asks her to sit. She does, and Zeke says, Miss Spencer may be out of order, but the point she made is valid. His client has admitted to insider trading. He’s taken responsibility for his actions, and the US Attorney has agreed to sentence him to a minimum-security facility; standard practice for a non-violent crime. Judge Kim says, standard practice is subject to circumstance and interpretation by the presiding judge. Zeke says, Mr. Cain is not a common criminal. He’s a respected member of the community. He’s a decorated Navy SEAL. Recently, he even worked with the government to save hostages taken by Victor Cassadine. Are all these things just going to be ignored and forgotten? The judge says, on the contrary. It’s actually because of all those things that he can’t look the other way. There aren’t two sets of laws in this community. One for the privileged – yes, that includes heroes – and one for the rest. No one is above the law. That’s why he’s having Mr. Cain taken from this courthouse and remanded to Pentenville immediately.

Zeke asks the judge to give Mr. Cain time to get his affairs in order. Mr. Cain has a family, including a young daughter, in addition to all the people at his business, Aurora Media, who depend on him. He’s not a flight risk. The SEC lawyer says, the government has no objection to counsel’s request, and Zeke says he agrees with the judge; no one is above the law. The days of privilege superseding accountability are rightly numbered. With that being said, he also believes justice without mercy is hollow and meaningless. Wouldn’t Judge Kim agree?

Martin says, Lucy is giving him way too much credit. The Deceptor is 100% her baby. The credit is 100% hers. Sasha says, Lucy just walked into the office that morning and started spinning this new idea. Could Martin have had something to do with it? Martin says he didn’t, but Lucy says, he did. Stop it. She loves the fact they did this together. Sasha says she wants details, and Lucy says, as she probably knows, every good story begins in bed. Isn’t that right, my magic man?

Tracy says, if anyone needs an etiquette class, it’s Gregory. Maybe he could get his other son to give him lessons, because Finn knows how to… Alexis says, all right. That’s enough. Take a breath. Everyone to their neutral corner. Tracy says she’ll leave Alexis to her friend, because she has real issues to deal with; her son and her family. Real issues that need real compassion. Something Gregory wouldn’t understand. Gregory says he understands a lot more than Tracy thinks. Do them both a favor and stay away from Chase. Tracy says, if he’s as smart as his son – and she means Finn, not the other one – he will stay the hell away from her. She walks off, and Gregory asks Alexis, friend of hers?

Brook says, her father’s brain wants him to be Eddie Maine? and Chase says he doesn’t understand. Ned has everything a man could want; a lobing family, a successful job, standing in the community. Why would he want to give up all that just to relive his glory days? Olivia says, this is all her fault, and Tracy joins them. Olivia says, if she’d just believed Ned about turning in Carly and Drew to the SEC. If she’d only believed him sooner… Tracy says, please. Leave it to Olivia to make this all about herself. Brook tells Olivia not to listen to her. She’s just as scared as the rest of them, but granny’s fear comes out as mean. Tracy says, scared? Her? What Ned needs is a cold splash of water and a good talking to. Olivia says, that is the last thing he needs right now, and Doc says he understands emotions are running high, but turning on each other won’t help anything. Brook says, no wonder dad wants to be Eddie Maine. Can they blame him for wanting a break from this family? She leaves, and Chase follows her.

Brook and Chase go into Ned’s room, and Brook asks if he’s okay. Deanna says she had to give him a sedative to calm him down. Deanna leaves, and Brook says, poor daddy. This whole thing started when they thought he blew the whistle on Carly and Drew. If someone else is to blame, why won’t they come forward?

Nina says she and Dex both care about Sonny. And don’t tell her it’s just a job when Dex took a bullet for him. Thank you for that, by the way. He says, boss dies, he loses his health plan, and Nina says, Dex likes him, she loves him. That makes them both Team Sonny. Now that she and Sonny are getting married, she hopes he keeps an open mind, despite what others say about her. He says, by others she means Josslyn? and she says, all she’s asking is that he reserve judgement until he realizes she wants to keep Sonny safe and happy even more than he does. He says, and she wants him to convince Joss to give her a chance.

Sonny says he’s surprised Josslyn and Dex are still together, and she asks, why? He says, she came to his office and wanted him to fire Dex. She didn’t like Dex working for him. She says, Sonny told her it was up to Dex to ask him that, and Sonny says, it was, but Dex wants to stay in the organization. He wants more than a paycheck; he wants to belong. Dex made peace with him. How about her?

Judge Kim says he’s granting Mr. Cain one week to get his affairs in order. However, he must surrender his passport and remain within the city limits of Port Charles until he turns himself in to the authorities for transport to Pentenville. Zeke thanks the judge, and Judge Kim says, should Zeke’s client not appear, he will be treated as a fugitive, and those three years in Pentenville will seem like a long weekend. This hearing is adjourned. The bailiff says, all rise, and the judge leaves. Zeke gives over Drew’s passport, and Carly hugs Drew.

Carly asks, what happened? It was supposed to be six months in Spring Ridge. Zeke says, this isn’t over. He knows with Drew’s skill set, it’s tempting to disappear, but Drew says, when he gives his word, he keeps it. Zeke leaves, and Drew says he’s going to be around here for a while, so why doesn’t Michael take his mother… Carly says she’s not leaving, but Drew says, it’s going to be a while. She says, they have seven days, and hugs him. Michael says, whatever Drew needs. If there are any resources he can provide, he’s here. Just like Drew has been for him and Willow. Michael leaves, and Carly and Drew hug some more.

Lucy says she remembers there was a half-moon shining through the window, and she was lying in Marty’s arms. It was almost like the moon was winking at her; like it knew something. She remembers thinking, this is so yummy, and maybe a little sad because they missed out on time together when they were apart. She wished they could just stop the clock. It was so interesting. All of a sudden, she guesses Martin heard her because he was awake. He said, what if there was a formula or product that could just stop time? Martin says, for heaven’s sake. He was just thinking out loud. She says, he’s being modest again. He was buzzing with so many ideas, and she fell asleep with all that going on in her head. Sasha says, and then? and Lucy says, and then, that’s the best part. Because when she woke up, she knew it wasn’t a dream. It was a product that could actually conquer time, or at least delay it. That was when The Deceptor was born, and Marty was her magic muse. Sasha says, wow, but Martin tells her, don’t dare believe what Lucy is telling her. He swears it was Lucy Coe who took a raw idea, a concept, and perfected it. She’s the one. She made it her own. She’s one sexy genius. He kisses Lucy, and she says, and he’s a handsome, sexy, gallant muse. Sasha says, all this story needs is a fairytale ending. How about it? When are they getting married? They both look at her and say, never.

Gregory says, Finn warned him that Tracy can be quite the dragon, but as Alexis can see, Tracy barely laid a claw on him. She asks if he’s okay. What Tracy said about him not dealing with any real issues was awful. She has a heart of stone, but even she wouldn’t have said that if she actually knew… He says, there’s no reason Tracy should know anything about him. But what he doesn’t understand is why Tracy came down so hard on Alexis. There’s obviously history there. What did Alexis do to her? (I literally lol.) Alexis says, it’s what Tracy did to her. Did he ever hear the expression, first hurt, then hate? That’s Tracy to a T. That’s her M.O. He says, go on. How did Tracy hurt her?

Tracy says she’s going to see her son, but Olivia says, no, she is not. Now sit down and shut up. Tracy says she’s his mother, and Olivia says she’s his wife. What he needs is love and understanding right now; the kind he can get from his daughter, not some horrendous, bitchy monologue from Tracy. Doc says he thinks they may have just gotten a window into why Ned might prefer to be Eddie Maine, and Olivia says, to get away from his mother? Tracy says, or his marriage? Doc says, let’s not look at it as an escape, but rather a journey to find his true self. Tracy rolls her eyes.

Brook says, he looks so peaceful, like all his problems are a things of the past, when Ned grabs her wrist. He says, she wants to solve his problems? Bust him out of here – now.

Drew says, seven days is like a lifetime. They just have to put it in perspective, and think about everything Willow and Michael have been through and how they live day by day. She kisses him, and says she wants more time. He says, they’ll just have to live every day, every minute like it’s their last, and create enough memories until he comes back. She says, what about Scout? and he says he’ll spend time with Scout. When he’s not with her, he’ll be with Carly. He kisses her, and she says she can’t believe this is happening. He says, let’s not think about it like three years. They’ll think about it like 36 car payments. She says she’s so sorry, but he says, it’s going to be okay. She hugs him.

Nina asks if a good relationship between her and Josslyn isn’t good for Sonny as well, and Dex says, no disrespect, but while he’s loyal to Sonny, he’s also loyal to Josslyn. and she gets to make up her own mind. Nina says, but they’re talking about peace, and that’s always a good thing. She wouldn’t even suggest for him to intervene if she didn’t think it would be helpful to everyone, including him. He says he’ll think about it, but just to be clear, he’d never let anyone hurt Mr. Corinthos or Josslyn. Nina says, or Sonny’s wife, I trust, and he says, that goes without saying. As long as she’s important to Mr. Corinthos, she’s important to him.

Josslyn tells Sonny, Dex had this job before she knew him. It’s his life and his decision. She was wrong to go behind his back to Sonny and ask Sonny to fire him. And Sonny was right to turn her down. So yeah, she has made peace with Dex working for Sonny. He says he’s glad to hear it, but that’s not the question he asked. Has she made her peace with him?

Sasha asks, what’s wrong with marriage? and Martin says, nothing, says half the population. It just so happens, he fell into the other half. Over and over again. Know what they say about baseball? Three strikes you’re out? He’s out. He asks if Lucy understands, and she says, I do. I have a history of saying I do when I wish I didn’t. What she and Marty have… He says, is perfect. Why spoil it with a prenup and a trip to Reno? He says he has a conference call, and has to leave. After that, he’s going to relax by the pool. In the meantime, Lucy should put the daisies in water. He leaves, and Sasha says she thought Lucy was the marrying kind. What changed? Lucy says, nothing. She was hoping when she said no, Marty would talk her into saying yes.

Alexis tells Gregory, then wouldn’t you know it? Chase was the arresting officer. He says he can’t believe what he’s hearing; that’s diabolical. Alexis says, Tracy thought she was saving Ned from her evil clutches. She and Ned almost got married a long time ago, and then a couple of years ago, he was married, and she was drunk, and they had a regrettable evening. Two lost souls. He says, say no more. He hopes Chase was smart enough to see through Tracy’s scheme and clear Alexis’s name. She says, it took a village, but in some way, Tracy did her a favor. She didn’t do any of the things Tracy was framing her for, but she was out of control. From that moment, she turned her life around. He says he admires her for rising from the ashes, but Tracy’s frame up could have had a very different ending. Alexis says, let it go; she’s not worth it. He says he agrees, but his son is.

Chase tells Ned that he’s a police officer, and he’s asking Ned to let go of Brook’s wrist. Brook says, he’s not hurting her, but Chase says, let her go. Ned releases her, and she says she promises, as soon as the doctors release him, she’ll take him home. He says, to Vegas? but she says he has a home in Port Charles too. He says he needs to get to Vegas, and she says she understands the need to perform; getting love back from the audience. He says, there’s nothing like it, is there? and she says she can think of some things. Like the love of the people who know you best. Your family.

Tracy says, the only journey she wants Ned taking is the one back to his senses, and Doc asks if she’s considered the possibility that in Ned’s mind, he’s being sensible. Olivia asks if he’s saying Ned being Eddie Maine is a good thing, but Tracy says, Eddie Maine isn’t real; it’s a stage name. Doc says, to her, but to Ned, Eddie Maine represents freedom, gratification, simplicity. And maybe just a touch of the fantasy he needs. Olivia says she needs Ned. She knows it might be selfish, but she just wants her husband back, warts and all, and Leo needs his father. Isn’t there any way they can coax him back? Tracy says, coax him? He needs another bump on the head.

Zeke comes back to the courtroom, and tells Drew that he’s requested a meeting with the judge. Carly asks if the judge is willing to listen to reason, and Zeke says, he is willing to listen, but only after Drew is remanded to Pentenville. Drew says, okay. As long as he’s being held accountable, and not above the law. Carly says, that could take months, or even a year, and the whole time he’ll be locked up in Pentenville. Drew says he’s been in Afghanistan. He’s a Navy SEAL. He’s not worried about Pentenville. Zeke says, the minute Drew goes to prison, he’ll be lobbying for that meeting, and Drew says, anything to expedite this, please. Zeke says, got it. He’d offer Drew a ride, but he has the feeling Drew has better things to do with his time. Drew thanks him, and Zeke says, this isn’t over. This is a significant setback. They’ll talk soon. He leaves, and Drew tells Carly, enough about him. She’s about to face a very stiff financial penalty. She says, that’s her problem, but he says, it’s their problem, and he knows how they’re going to solve it.

Josslyn says she’s working toward acceptance. Sonny is who he is, and he did what he did, and she doesn’t have the power to change that. When she’s angry at him, she hurts some of the people she loves, who also happen to love him. So she doesn’t know if that counts as making peace, but that’s the best she can do right now. He says he hopes someday they can both do better, but for now, he’ll take that. Michael comes in, and Sonny asks, what’s going on? Michael says, Josslyn texted him and said she’d be here with Dex. He wants them all to know, he just came from Drew’s hearing, and the judge gave him three years in Pentenville. Sonny says, son of a bitch, and Nina says, it wasn’t supposed to be that way. Josslyn says, oh really? How was it supposed to be?

Sasha says, it’s her fault for bringing up marriage in the first place, but Lucy tells her, don’t feel bad. She can’t believe Marty said, never. She thought if she said, never, Marty would say, my little snookums, never say never, but he didn’t say that. Sasha says, with three marriages and divorces, you can’t blame the guy for being a little gun-shy. Lucy says, maybe. According to Marty, those wives made his life a living hell, but she wishes she could exorcise it out of his head, and he’d be open to the idea of marriage again. Sasha says, Martin loves her. He’s not going anywhere. Not every guy would stay up late encouraging their partner to follow their dream, then help make that dream a reality. Lucy says, she’s right. He hasn’t asked for any share of the profit; not one single penny. Sasha says, that’s true love for you.

A text says, An electronic deposit of $50, 000 was credited to your account, and sitting with his feet in the pool, drink in hand, Martin says, every month, like clockwork. Trust me, Lucy. Marriage would only spoil everything.

Ned tells Brook, no offense, but the more he hears about her father, the less he envies him. Family life is nice and all, and he can tell she really loves the guy, but corporate life and all the ulcers that go with it, not his style. He has the feeling it’s not hers either.

Doc tells Tracy that he’s not aware of any traumatic brain injury being cured by another traumatic brain injury, and Olivia says, if Tracy is even thinking of taking a hammer to her husband… Tracy tells them, calm down. She was kidding. Olivia says, there’s nothing funny about this situation, and Tracy says, money is no object; whatever it takes. Doc says he’s in unchartered territory as well, but he knows a few experts. He’ll consult with them, and draw on every resource and database he can find. In the meantime, he does think Ned should start therapy. Tracy says, Ned or Eddie, because they’re supposed to be calling him Eddie now, right? How long do they have to buy into this fantasy? Doc says, and there’s the disconnect. Not Ned’s, hers. She can call it a fantasy, but to Ned, it’s his life. Whatever they do, don’t deny his reality. Give him space. Brook and Chase join them, and Brook says, he wants more than space. Olivia asks what he wants. Tell her. Brook says, a one-way ticket to Vegas.

Nina says, there was supposed to be a deal in place, wasn’t there? and Michael says, there was, but the judge overrode it. Josslyn says, mom must be devastated, and Sonny says he’ll reach out to Drew and help in any way he can. Michael says he already did. The US Attorney was as shocked as the rest of them. This is completely on the judge. Nina’s phone rings, and she goes to the table to answer it. She says, Ava heard… She just did… She knows. It’s awful, isn’t it?

Drew says he’s just going to get his affairs in order, and he’s going to put Aurora Media up for sale. They’ll use the proceeds to pay for Carly’s financial… She says, absolutely not. Aurora is his creation. It’s his legacy for Scout. He says, Scout is too young to care about that. She’s going to be fine; she’s got ELQ shares. He’s made other investments… Carly says she’s not going to let him give Aurora away. He’ll need it when he comes back. Whatever the penalty is, she’ll figure it out. He says he doesn’t like that, but she says she doesn’t want to think about this right now. She wants to make the most of whatever time they have left. He kisses her.

Lucy tells Sasha, okay. She’s thinking, you know how Marty planted the idea for The Deceptor in her head? Why can’t she plant the idea of wedding bells in his? Sasha says, why not? and Lucy says, okay. To the future, and may all those ex-wives and the damage they’ve done, be a thing of the past. They clink glasses.

Martin’s phone dings, and he says a text from Ex #3: You’ve been avoiding me. That’s a serious mistake. He says, oh God. He swears, the only thing worse than number two at the swimming pool is number three. He rolls over a little too far, and into the pool with his phone.

Alexis tells Gregory, don’t faint, but she’s going to the gym. Maybe they could meet for dinner afterwards. She’s thinking Thai food. He asks if she’s worried he’s going to track Tracy down and put the fear of God in her, but she says, first of all, he’s assuming Tracy fears God. Second of all, he’s too civilized for this… right? He says, Chase can hold his own, but what after she and Finn have told him, it’s clear that woman fights dirty. Alexis tells him not to sink to Tracy’s level. He has more important things to worry about. He says, there’s nothing more important than his sons.

Tracy says, her son thinks he’s a Vegas lounge lizard. This has gone on long enough. Doc can keep his therapy. She’s going old school. She starts to walk, and Brook asks where she’s going. She says, to knock some sense into Brook’s father.

Carly asks how Drew can be so calm, and he says, after weeks of uncertainty, now he knows what he’s facing. He can prioritize. He can do what means most in the time he has left. She says, they have to be strong, and he says, they will be. Seven precious days before he turns himself in. Let’s not spend another second in this courtroom. He kisses her hand, and suggests they get out of here. She looks like she might cry, and nods.

Tracy busts into Ned’s room, Brook, Chase, and Olivia following her. The bed is empty except for Ned’s pressure cuff and the links to the other medical equipment.

Josslyn says, her mom’s not responding to anything. Her phone must be off. Dex suggests they find her, and they leave. Sonny asks Michael how Carly is handling this, and Michael says, how does she think? She’s ready to go to war for Drew. Sonny says, war with who? Even if Ned’s responsible, he doesn’t even know who he is. Michael says, that’s convenient for Ned, and the worst possible outcome for Drew.

Having moved to the back of the club with the phone, Nina tells Ava that she didn’t plan for this. But now that it’s happened, there’s a tiny part of her that almost feels sorry for Carly. Ned comes into the club, and Nina says, what is Carly going to do without Drew for three long years?… She knows. She just feels awkward. Ned sees her, and comes toward her.

On Monday, Esme is afraid this is all going to fall apart; Felicia tells Robert, no matter what, don’t take no for an answer; Anna doesn’t believe her work is done; and Ned says, just the person he’s been looking for.

🚩 Flags Flying High…

Everything that makes Luis sketchy is… everything.

Everything That Makes Luis Ruelas Seem So Sketchy

💎 Beverly Hills Memory Lane…

If you want to relive this sort of thing. Although the dinner party from hell is pretty entertaining. It did not benefit that psychic’s reputation.

Most Memorable Episodes of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

🍸 Moving On…

You didn’t think I could let it go yet, did you? I’ve got the feeling Sandoval didn’t cancel shows because of filming. Not when he’s been giving twofers.

Vanderpump Rules Season 11 Filming Begins as Sandoval Cancels Show and Jax Reschedules Event With James, Plus Ariana’s New Man Boards Flight Ahead of Her Birthday

⛴ Who’s Your Boat Daddy…?

Captain Lee will always be my Stud of the Sea, but I have to admit, Captain Jason is quite easy on the eyes. Interesting how the Med lost viewers after the Hannah debacle.

Below Deck Shows Ranked From Worst To Best

💣 Fearsome Villain Afoot…

I wasn’t thrilled about how they made Victor so awful. Hopefully he doesn’t get eaten to even things out.

https://movieweb.com/fear-the-walking-deads-latest-trailer-reveals-the-return-of-an-old-villain/

⚰️ She’s On Again…

Carol is apparently back in the game.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan Says Melissa McBride Will Appear In ‘The Walking Dead’ Spinoff After All

🤹🏾‍♂️ Busy Guy…

And I swear he’s the voiceover on that Twizzlers ad where the guy on the beach ponders wearing white after Labor Day.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/06/19/fear-walking-deads-colman-domingo-host-amc-seres/
https://undeadwalking.com/2023/06/23/check-colman-domingo-trailer-drive-away-dolls/

🦈 His Domain…

After zombies and the internet is evil, my third horror sub-genre favorite is giant sharks.

https://comicbook.com/horror/news/shark-week-jason-momoa-trailer-2023-streaming-details-discovery/

🐶 Real Life Superhero…

From Batman to Dogfather.

https://people.com/batman-actor-burt-ward-went-from-robin-to-dog-rescue-7547542

🧘🏽‍♀️ Quotes of the Week

People who are trying don’t vocalize it; they just do it. – John, Extreme Sisters

Hope is the destination that we seek. Love is the road that leads to hope. Courage is the motor that drives us. We travel out of darkness into faith. – Dean Koontz

A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life. – William Arthur Ward

Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. – Henry David Thoreau

A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts. – Joshua Reynolds

I got a lot more respect when I was dead. – Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring), General Hospital

💃🏽 Blaming It On the Bossa Nova…

Since Fear the Walking Dead is on a break, so am I, although I’ll be watching Dead City. Judging from the first episode, it looks extremely promising. But I’ll be here on Monday really Tuesday, dishing out soap and a double dose of Deck. Why does Bravo insist on being a pita? One episode a week is quite enough. Until then, stay safe, stay treating what you borrow as if it were your own, and when given the choice, stay going with love and understanding, rather than a horrendous, bitchy monologue.

Jun23

June 22, 2023 – Selina Forces a Truce, Surprise, Her Start, Again, In the OC, Wanting Spin, Unfollowed, VanderTalk, Hotel Pets (!) & Only

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

💔 In my area, GH was interrupted for the majority of the show. Normally, it annoys me, since it’s usually news we can wait for, but today I felt differently, having rooted for the rescue of those in the Titan submersible. Sadly, it was not to be, so RIP to those brave souls who died doing what they loved.

General Hospital

Sasha comes back to the table, and asks what Maxie just said. What did Maxie mean, Cody may feel something more than friendship for her? Lucy starts to talk, but Sasha says, it doesn’t matter, because she couldn’t be more wrong.

Cody tells Gladys that he and Spinelli have evidence that Gladys planted the bracelet on him; evidence that will show her testimony is bogus. Spinelli says, do the decent thing and recant, and Gladys says, or what? Cody says, or it will leave her heading upriver, not him.

Kristina says, sure, she’ll go, and Sam thanks her. Kristina says, as soon as Sam tells her what’s up, but Sam says, it’s not a good time. Kristina asks if it’s because Sam’s so busy. She’s literally sitting here alone. Sam says she’s on a job, and Kristina says, sounds fun. P.I. stuff? She looks around, and Sam says, it’s not fun; it’s important. Kristina says, adultery? Fraud? A criminal investigation? Sam says, come on, getting up, and Kristina asks where they’re going. Sam says, anywhere but here. Sam gives Spinelli a nod, and they leave.

On the phone, Finn says, they want to rule out any neurological issues before they proceed with treatment, when Gregory walks in. Finn says, let him know when they’ve got it set up, and hangs up. Gregory says, his son the doctor, and Finn asks how he is, hugging him. Gregory says, busy day? and Finn says, relentless. Good thing he’s getting the hell out of Port Charles.

Alexis walks into the hospital and sees Tracy. She asks, how’s Ned? and Tracy asks if she doesn’t mean Eddie Maine.

In an empty courtroom, Drew looks at a phone alert for Scout’s swimming lesson, when Carly walks in. She hugs him, and says she can’t believe today is the day. He says he feels a little bit like a kid waiting to hear his punishment, and she says, punishment he doesn’t deserve. He says, punishment she doesn’t deserve either, and she asks if he’s ready. He says he doesn’t know. Is anyone ever ready to sign away their freedom? She hugs him again.

As they enter the MetroCourt Gardens, Kristina asks if Sam doesn’t want her to know, or is Sam going to fill her in? Sam says she’s doing some surveillance, and Kristina says she saw Spinelli out there and Dante’s friend Cody. What are they doing with Gladys Corbin? Sam asks if Kristina knows what the P in P.I. stands for, and Kristina says, private. Sam tells her, good job, and she asks if she gets a gold star. She’ll drop it, but if Sam has a minute, she’d like some big sister time. Sam asks if everything is okay, and Kristina says, with her? Yeah. She’s worried about Molly.

Gladys says she thinks she’ll pass, but Cody says, that would be a mistake. They have her dead to rights. Gladys says, it’s going to take more than made up words to trip her up, and Cody says, she doesn’t care that they have evidence that could send her away. Gladys tells him, if said evidence actually existed, they would have turned it in by now. So why are they here with her instead of at the PCPD?

Sasha says she and Cody are just friends, and Lucy tells her, if you say so. Sasha says she does. It’s not like that between them. Lucy says, of course (🍷). No one was suggesting there was anything romantic going on. Maxie says she thinks they should get back to work, and Sasha asks, then what were they suggesting? Lucy says, just that on Sasha’s end, it might be strictly platonic, but maybe things are developing for Mr. Bell.

Gregory says, Finn’s leaving town? and Finn says, not permanently. He’s going on vacation, which he thought Gregory would get, being it was his idea. Gregory, him, Violet, Chase, Disneyworld. Ring any bells? Gregory says, as he recalls, Finn told him that it wasn’t a good time, and Finn says, it wasn’t, but now Violet is out of school, and he’s got a couple weeks coming up where he can take some time off. Gregory says, and Chase? and Finn says, it may be more difficult for him, since he’s just getting his badge back, but he’s working on it. Finn even got Violet a set of purple Mickey Mouse ears. So what does Gregory say? Gregory tells him, it sounds wonderful, but he’s afraid things have changed on his end.

Drew tells Carly that he’s been going over it in his head again and again. He knows the right thing is to accept this plea deal, but now that he’s here… She says, it’s hard, and he says, it is. She says, he doesn’t have to do this. Please? He says, it’s the only way, when Michael walks in. Carly says she told him that he didn’t have to come, but he says he wanted to. Drew says, they appreciate him being here. He knows Michael has enough on his plate with Willow and the kids. Michael says he checked all the boxes. He had breakfast with Wiley and Amelia… Or rather, Amelia watched from a rocking chair while he and Wiley ate. The nanny took Wiley to the park, he stopped by Aurora, then spent time with Willow. Drew asks how she is, and Michael says, she must be doing better, since she’s back to bossing him around. She basically insisted he come. She sends her love to both of them. Drew says he sends it right back, and Carly says, her too. Michael says, she also wanted him to tell them, it’s painfully obvious if it wasn’t for Drew, she wouldn’t even be here. Drew suggests they not think about that, but Michael says, still, it’s true, and they’re eternally grateful. Carly says, so is she, and asks, how’s Ned? Michael says he was going to check in with Ned this morning, but then Brook told him the latest. Is that right? Drew says, Ned doesn’t even remember who he is. He thinks he’s Eddie Maine. Carly says she can’t imagine how hard it is for Olivia, and Michael says he feels terrible for the family. It’s just that he can’t get past the fact that the reason they’re here, the reason Drew’s life is being blown up, is because of Ned.

Alexis says, Tracy answered her question. She stopped by to see Ned, and was told Eddie isn’t accepting visitors. Tracy says, that’s a blessing. What if he took one look at Alexis and launched into that Eddie’s Angels business? Alexis says, because she caused enough problems in his marriage, and Tracy tells her, she said it. Alexis says she’s going to be nice, and despite their history, she’s telling Tracy that she’s sorry. This must be very difficult for Tracy and her family. Tracy says, a mid-life crisis is annoying, and definitely bad for business, but this is different. This is so much worse. Her son doesn’t know her. And worse, he doesn’t know Leo. When Luke died, she thought she could withstand anything, but she honestly thinks this is more than she can handle.

Drew says he gets that Michael’s angry, and Michael says, Drew’s not? Drew says he’s very angry – they both are – but this is happening for a lot of reasons besides Ned. Zeke comes in, and Drew introduces him to Carly and Michael, saying, Michael is Josslyn’s brother. Zeke says, their daughter and sister is a wonderful woman, and Carly says, he knows Josslyn? Drew says, Zeke is Trina’s uncle, and Zeke says, Portia’s his sister. Carly says, they absolutely adore Trina, and Zeke says he hit the jackpot in the niece department. Zeke tells Drew that he spoke with the prosecutor, and he said the Feds accepted the deal. All that’s left is for the judge to sign off, Drew enters his plea, and he takes care of the rest. Michael says, what is the deal, if they don’t mind him asking? and Drew says, six months in minimum security prison, and in return, Carly doesn’t have to do any prison time. Michael says, that’s not it, is it? and Carly says, no. Zeke says, her attorney will reach out to her for the financial penalty, and Michael says, there’s no way this could blow back on his mom, is there? Zeke says, essentially, Drew is taking responsibility for the insider trading. The SEC is satisfied, and won’t throw the book at the both of them. Zeke’s phone rings, and he steps away to take the call. Michael thanks Drew so much for doing this for his mom, and Carly says she told him to change his mind; that it wasn’t a good idea. Drew says, this is the best outcome for everybody involved, and Carly says, really? The best outcome is for him to go to prison? Drew says, when you consider the alternatives, yes. Michael says he knows what Drew is giving up, and doesn’t want him to worry about anything. When he’s gone, they’ll check on Scout. He’ll keep Aurora running, and Drew’s life will be waiting for him, right where he left it, when he gets back. Drew says, coming from Michael, he believes that, and they bro hug.

Sam asks if Kristina heard from Molly, and Molly says, no, that’s the problem. Ever since Molly told them about her endometriosis, she’s been so distant. Kristina keeps reaching out of course (🍷), but either Molly doesn’t respond at all, or if she does, it’s with some lame emojis. Sam says, emojis, yeah. Molly’s doing the same thing to her. Kristina asks what they do, and Sam says, nothing?

Sasha tells Maxie and Lucy, back up. They think Cody is interested in her? Maxie tells her, that’s not what Lucy said, but Lucy says, that’s kind of exactly what she said. Sasha says, and they think she should be receptive to that? but they both say, no. Sasha says, good, and Maxie says, because Sasha’s still grieving and not ready to date, but that’s fine. Unless she is ready to date, then that’s totally fine too. Sasha says, she’s not, and Lucy says, okay. All she was saying was, Cody is a man… and Sasha is a smart, beautiful woman, and he did ride on in to rescue her at Home & Heart. Sasha says, as a friend, and Maxie says, a really caring and sweet and thoughtful friend. She really loves how Sasha brings out the chivalrous side of Cody. Because let’s be honest, he can be a little rough around the edges. Sasha says, ya think? and Maxie says, but with Sasha, he’s different. She had her reservations about Cody at first, but it turns out he’s a really great guy. Sasha says, and a very good friend, and Lucy says, for now. Sasha and Maxie both say, Lucy! and Lucy says she’s sorry; it just slipped out.

Cody says he wanted to give Gladys the chance to do the right thing for Sasha’s sake, but Gladys says, he doesn’t care about Sasha. He says, that’s where she’s wrong. Let’s face it. They both know there are details at play here that have been kept on the DL. Spinelli says, that’s intriguing. Does Gladys care to expand on those details? Gladys says, here’s the way she sees it. There are only two possible reasons Cody came to her instead of going to the police. Either he’s got butkus, and he’s trying to save his butt, or he came to this so-called evidence illegally. She’s not a betting woman, but if she was, this is a bet she can’t lose.

Gregory tells Finn that he recently accepted a job at The Invader, on their editorial board. Finn congratulates him, and says he’s glad Gregory finally made it official. He seemed to be really enjoying his time there. Gregory says he’s sorry he didn’t tell Finn sooner. Their schedules hadn’t lined up since he started. He’s still getting used to the grind of a daily newspaper. Finn says, there’s no need to apologize, but consider himself lucky that he’ll explain about the trip to Violet. She’d never let him hear the end of it. Don’t worry about it. They’ll do it next year. Gregory says, no, and Finn asks, what does that mean? Gregory says, next year’s too far away. Who knows how long Violet’s princess phase will last? Finn says, if God has mercy, not much longer, and Gregory says, they’ll have to make it sooner… but not too soon. He knows better than to ask for time off less than a month into the job. Finn says he takes it Gregory and Alexis worked things out, and Gregory says, she’s a good friend. Finn says, agreed, and Gregory says he wishes he could say the same thing about some of Finn’s other friends.

Tracy tells Alexis, they understand what’s going on, but this is hugely traumatizing for Leo. The father he loves suddenly doesn’t recognize him and wants nothing to do with him. Alexis asks how Leo is handling it, and Tracy says, not well. Who can blame him? Honestly, she thought Ned was made of sterner stuff, and Alexis asks how she means. Tracy says, Eddie Maine was an alter-ego Ned created years ago, and Alexis says she knows he wanted to be a performer, but Tracy says, he wanted to escape his real life. Alexis asks if Tracy thinks he’s doing the same thing again, and Tracy says, it’s no secret Ned is facing accusations from half his family for turning in Carly and Drew to the SEC. Add to that, he’s working overtime to try and fix the business disaster of Valentin faking his own death. Alexis asks if she’s suggesting Ned fell on purpose.

The bailiff says, all rise, court is now in session. The honorable Judge Albert Kim presiding. Judge Kim takes the bench, and tells them, be seated. This is the United States versus Cain, in which the defendant, Andrew Cain, has been charged with insider trading. How does he plead? Drew looks at Carly, gets up, and says, I plead guilty, your honor.

Finn says, Gregory is talking about Tracy, and Gregory says, ding, ding. That woman is a piece of work. Finn says, Tracy is an acquired taste, and Gregory says, you don’t acquire a taste for arsenic, you avoid it. Finn laughs, and says, that’s a little harsh. He understands Gregory’s skepticism, but believe it or not, Tracy’s been a really good friend to him. Gregory tells him, so he keeps saying, and Finn says he knows Gregory didn’t like how she treated Chase. Gregory says, when she tore into him and attacked his character? and Finn says he didn’t like it either, but to Tracy, family is everything, and in her mind, she was just looking out for her granddaughter. Gregory says, his friend needs to find another way to express herself, and Finn says, trust him. There’s more to Tracy than the prickly exterior. You just have to dig a little deeper.

Tracy tells Alexis, she’s just suggesting that deep in Ned’s psyche, he’s relishing the idea of getting away from it all, and this accident affords him that opportunity. Alexis says, that’s quite a stretch, but Tracy says, is it really? It wouldn’t be so bad if it were just him alone, but he has a family, and Olivia is beside herself and Brook is a wreck. Alexis asks what the doctors said, and Tracy tells her, they’re useless. They say, be patient, time heals, blah-blah-blah. Alexis says, sounds reasonable to her, and Tracy wonders if there’s anyone in this hospital who’s willing to go to extreme measures to turn Eddie Maine back into Ned.

Sam says she hates this for Molly, but all they can do is love her and be a safe haven for her, and Kristina says she just can’t believe this. She also can’t believe, of the three of them, she’s the only one with functional plumbing. (Are you thinking what I’m thinking?) Not a single issue. Sam says, rub it in, why doesn’t she? and Kristina says she did do some research online. She didn’t want to bother Molly with questions, but endometriosis is a really painful condition. Can Sam believe Molly’s been suffering all this time? Alone? She hates that for Molly. Sam says she hates it too.

Sasha asks if they think it’s weird she’s not ready to move on yet, but Maxie says, no. It’s not even been a year since Brando died. Not that there’s a timetable. Lucy says, not at all. She thinks it’s natural not to know how and when and if you’re able to just let go. Sasha asks if Maxie felt that way with Nathan, and Maxie says, after Nathan died, the thought of moving on without him, starting a whole new life, was the most overwhelming feeling in the entire world. Sasha says, of course (🍷) she wants that for herself, and Lucy says, but if she can’t see it yet, really, it’s okay. Maxie says, everyone grieves differently and at different paces. She’s doing great. Lucy takes Sasha’s hand, and says, she really, really is.

Gladys says, they couldn’t have lifted anything off her fitness app. She didn’t bring her phone with her to the ball. Cody asks, who leaves their phone at home? and Gladys says, someone who couldn’t fit it in her purse. Ha! The waiter clears Sam’s table, and the whatchamacallit falls on the ground. Gladys asks, what’s that? as Selina walks in with Li, and steps on it.

 Selina picks it up, and walks over to Gladys. She says, this looks like a directional microphone, and Gladys says she has no idea what that is. Selina says, it’s meant to record conversations from a distance, and Gladys asks if Cody and Spinelli recorded her. Selina asks if one of them dropped this, and Cody says, sure didn’t. Spinelli says, how fortuitous that she picked it up so no one would trip, and Selina says, they wouldn’t want that on such a lovely day, would they? Forgive her if she seems intrusive, but she’s sensing some tension between the three of them. Is everything all right? Gladys says, it was all right until these two showed up and started harassing her out of nowhere. Cody and Spinelli protest, and Cody says, nothing Selina needs to concern herself with. They know how busy she is, don’t they Gladys? Selina says, not too busy to resolve a conflict. Shall they put their heads together and come up with a solution? Cody says, that’s not necessary, but Selina says, nonsense. Have a seat over there. She’ll help them iron this out. Cody goes to sit, and Gladys thanks her, following him. Selina blocks Spinelli, and says she’ll take it from here. She tosses the microphone into the pool.

Maxie says, just think of where Sasha was at this time last year, and Lucy says, they’re so proud of her. Sasha says she almost feels like a different person, and Maxie says, she’s still herself, just stronger and wiser. Lucy says, and infinitely more resilient. Sasha says she’s so lucky to have them in her corner, and Maxie says, always. Lucy says, always, and excuses herself to use the powder room. Sasha asks if Maxie thinks anyone has as much energy as Lucy, and Maxie says, no. Her phone rings, and she tells Sasha, it’s Georgie. Sasha says she’ll hold down the fort, and Maxie steps away. Sasha looks at a photo of Brando on her phone, and says, Brando, I have come a long way, haven’t I? But it’s true; I’m still not over you. And I have to wonder if I’ll ever be. She looks up, and Dr. Montague is there.

Kristina says, it must be pretty awful to want to be a mother, then find out you can’t be, and Sam says, it’s awful, and isolating and devastating, and a million other not so fun feelings. But the good thing is, once the dust settles, Molly and TJ are going to be okay. They’re going to be able to have a family. It’s just going to be a longer, windier road to get there. Kristina says she hopes they do try to have kids another way. Molly and TJ would be the best parents. Sam asks if she’s chopped liver, and Kristina says, no. She’s a supermom. And she’s a super aunt obviously. Sam says she doesn’t know about that. Scout told her that the last time Kristina took her and Danny out to dinner, she didn’t let them have dessert afterward. Kristina says, that’s because she let them have dessert before, and Sam says, she thought that was a good idea why? Kristina says, Scout left that part out. She’s taught her niece well.

Gregory says, Finn really thinks that highly of Tracy Quartermaine? and Finn says, in a realistic and tentatively appropriate way, yes. Gregory says he trusts Finn’s judgement. He’ll reserve his and give her another chance, but he won’t put up with her demeaning his son. Finn says, as well he shouldn’t, and Gregory says, perhaps… maybe he pushed back a bit too hard. He should probably clear the air. Shouldn’t he? Finn says, no, and Gregory says, apologize for the last time they spoke, but Finn says, that will get him absolutely nowhere.

Judge Kim says he understands the prosecution has reached a deal with the defendant. The SEC lawyer says, they have, and the judge says, and both sides are in agreement with these terms? The lawyer says, that’s correct, and Zeke says, they see eye to eye on all points. Judge Kim says, that’s where they lose him. He’s reviewed the deal and the facts on the case, and he finds it a miscarriage of justice. It’s his opinion that the defendant knowingly colluded with Miss Spencer in order to drive up the stock price of Aurora Media, with the desired result being significant and personal financial gain. As such, he sees no reason why Mr. Cain shouldn’t receive the maximum penalty for his crimes.

Zeke gets up and says, the maximum penalty for these charges is twenty years, and the judge says he’s aware. Zeke says, so we – and by we, he means the defense and the prosecution – believe that a sentence of that magnitude is too harsh in a case like this. Carly looks like she might have a heart attack, and Judge Kim says he believes what they’re proposing is too lenient. Zeke says, Mr. Cain has run Aurora Media with integrity since he founded it, not a single misstep or example of shady business practices. The judge says, until now, and Zeke says, but he is a family man, just as he’s a CEO, maybe even more so. When he proposed a merger of Aurora and ELQ, it wasn’t for his personal gain as the judge suggested. It was to benefit his family’s company. In fact, the merger never even came to pass. Meaning his client never saw any of the benefits, professional or personal. Just the opposite in fact. The company lost money. So the true miscarriage of justice here would be to make an example of a man who has no history of securities fraud. He simply made an error in judgement trying to help the people he loves.

A wet Spinelli finds Sam and Kristina, and Sam asks, what happened? Kristina asks if he got pushed in the pool again, and Sam says, again? Spinelli says he thought he and Kristina had an agreement that it stayed between them, and she says, sorry. Spinelli holds up the crunched microphone, and Sam says, no. He says, courtesy of Miss Selina Wu, and Sam suggests Kristina go get a drink. Kristina leaves, and Spinelli takes her seat. Sam says, start from the beginning, and he asks if she wasn’t listening, but she says she got waylaid by Kristina. He says, they were working Gladys, just like they discussed. They were inches from success when Miss Wu just sauntered in and ruined everything.

Li hands the pool waiter some cash, and says, see to it they’re not disturbed. The waiter says he’s got it, and tells the two whole people there that he’s sorry, but they’re closing the pool for a private function. They leave, and Selina says she has a meeting shortly, so let’s not waste time. She’d hoped they could resolve this issue without requiring her intervention, but it seems her hopes were naïve. Gladys says, he started it, and Cody says, did not. Selina says, enough. She can’t have both of her favorite players at odds. Her game is a place of harmony. Make peace now. Gladys says she can’t make peace when Cody is still spreading lies about her, and Cody says, she’s trying to get him sent to prison. Selina says, this is how it’s going to work. Gladys is going to see to it that the charges against Mr. Bell are dropped. Gladys says, with all due respect, that’s not her call, and Selina says, it’s Gelhorn Jewelers’, but she’s their star witness. Without her, they don’t have a case. Amend her statement. Say she’s since remembered that the night of the Nurses Ball, the clasp on her bracelet was loose. Cody says, and what? Fell off of her wrist and into his jacket pocket? Selina says she’s confident a cater waiter from that evening will come forward and testify they found it on the floor near Cody’s things. The waiter thought it belonged to Cody, and put it in his jacket pocket for safekeeping. Matter settled. Cody says, sounds good to him, and Selina says, what about Gladys?

Sasha tells Dr. Montague, hi, and he says he was on his way out when he saw her sitting there, so he thought he’d say hello. She says she doesn’t suppose he missed the part where she was talking to the picture of her dead husband, and he says he might have noticed that. She promises she’s not losing it again, and he asks if he can sit. She says, sure, and he says he doesn’t think she’s losing it. What he observed was a grieving woman expressing her emotions in a healthy way. It’s good to let her feelings out. Just look what happened when she bottled them up after her son died. The fact that she’s allowing herself to go places she’s scared of is progress. She thanks him, and says, it means a lot. He gets up, and says he’s looking forward to their next session. She says, her too, and he leaves.

Finn says, Tracy isn’t a touchy, feely kind of person, and Gregory tells him, you don’t say. Finn tells him, he does say. She’s got zero patience for this type of thing. Gregory says, then what does he do? Chase is in love with her granddaughter. Hopefully, Chase and Brook will be together for a long time. Wouldn’t it behoove them all to get along? Finn doesn’t know what to tell him. Gregory can try to make some roads there, but Finn doesn’t think he’ll succeed. Gregory says, that sounds like a challenge, and Finn says, it most certainly was not. Gregory says, you never know. Tracy might come around. They’re both grown-ups. If he comes to her openly and honestly, why wouldn’t she respond in kind?

Alexis asks Tracy to define extreme measures, because the last time Tracy went to them, it didn’t work out so well… for her. Tracy asks if Alexis wants to rehash the past. No? What she means by extreme measures is medical equivalent of shaking him until he snaps out of it. Alexis says, that sounds possibly unethical, definitely illegal, and Tracy asks what she’d suggest. Alexis says she’d suggest a gentler route. Instead of challenging Ned’s worldview, which will just make him dig his heels in deeper, just go along with it. Let him believe he’s Eddie Maine.

Spinelli tells Sam that he’s curiously suspicious about how deferential Cody and Gladys became when Miss Wu entered the scene. Sam says, and Selina really couldn’t have wanted to be peacemaker? and he says, she wouldn’t take no for an answer. And of all people, why would she insist on wanting them to come to an understanding? Sam says, and what is the nature of Selina Wu’s relationship to Gladys, and to Cody?

Gladys says she can’t just amend her statement. She’ll look like a complete flake. And what about Sasha? What’s her daughter-in-law going to think? Cody says, that she’s the lying liar that she is? but Selina says, on the contrary. Everyone will be grateful that no one was unjustly punished. She’ll be a hero. Gladys says, fine. They’ll do it Selina’s way. Selina says, and Cody. Whatever problem he has with Gladys, he’s going to drop it. Cody says, she doesn’t understand. Sasha’s his friend… Selina says, there will be no unnecessary conflict in her games, and Cody asks why she’s protecting Gladys. Selina says, simply put, none of your business, and Cody says, have a nice day. He starts to leave, but Selina says, not so fast. She asks Li to take Gladys to the bar for a drink, and Gladys says, don’t mind if I do, walking ahead of him. Selina says, no one can know Cody works for her, and Cody says he gets it. She says, except she doesn’t think he does. If he did, he wouldn’t try to make trouble and draw unwanted attention to her business. There’s a lot of money at stake. Keep his mouth shut… or she’ll shut it for him permanently.

Maxie and Lucy come back to the table, and Lucy says she ran into a big fan of their Deception products, and boy, could that woman talk. Sasha says, unlike Lucy, and Lucy says she wants to apologize for bringing up all that Cody nonsense, but Sasha says she’s glad Lucy did. Lucy says, a few minutes ago Sasha wasn’t so glad, but Sasha says she doesn’t want to live in denial anymore. She did that before, and it sent her down a dark path. She doesn’t want to go backwards. Maxie says, that’s good to hear, and Sasha says she’s got enough to handle ending her guardianship. So as for whether or not Cody has feelings for her, it doesn’t matter. It’s clear his presence in her life makes things more complicated. Maxie says, with Gladys she means? and Sasha says, Gladys means a lot to her. Gladys has helped her in ways no one else could understand. So she’s resolved to ending her guardianship, and maintaining a relationship with Gladys.

Selina walks up behind Gladys, saying her name, and causing Gladys to nearly choke on her drink. She says, Gladys never responded to her text. Selina was worried something might have happened to her. Gladys gives her an envelope, saying, first installment. Selina says she’d hoped Gladys would pay back the entire amount, and Gladys says she will. Like she told Selina, she has to break it up into chunks. She can’t transfer a huge amount at once; Sasha will notice. Selina says, very well, but don’t forget about the interest. Which makes it in Gladys’s best interest to pay the loan back as soon as possible. Dr. Montague says, Miss Wu, and Selina says, Monty. One moment? He tells her to take her time, and she leaves with Li. Monty goes over to Gladys, and says, nice seeing her again. He couldn’t help but overhear. It sounds like she’s in a tough spot with their friend Selina. Gladys says she owes Selina money, and he says he’d be glad to help her settle her debt. She says, he’d do that for her? and he says, of course (🍷). But not without a favor in return.

Alexis says, if he thinks he’s Eddie Maine, why not treat him like he’s Eddie Maine? and Tracy says, that is the worst idea she’s ever heard. Alexis says, okay. Never mind then. Tracy says, so what Alexis is telling her is, in order to rid Ned of his delusions, they should lean into them? Alexis tells her, she’s saying, if they allow Ned to work this out on his own, without constant opposition from Tracy, maybe it would help him get over it. Tracy asks when Alexis got her therapist certification. Was that handed out with her last sobriety chip? Alexis says, she’s impossible, and Tracy says, she’s an idiot. Gregory sees them, and ducks around the corner.

Judge Kim says, committing a crime, even if it is for love of one’s family, is still a crime. However, considering the defendant’s record since founding Aurora Media, along with the fact that the merger was never finalized, he’ll allow that the maximum penalty is not warranted. Given the charges, the proposed deal of six months is still too lenient. He hereby sentences the defendant to serve three years. Surprise all around. From me too. He can go over the SEC’s head? I dunno about that.

Tomorrow, Gregory tells Tracy, back the hell off; Ned/Eddie says, they’re kidding him; Josslyn tells Sonny, it’s the best she can do right now; and Carly says, there’s been some kind of mistake.

🏥 Spreading It Thin…

The downside of working on a soap.

Laura Wright Shares A GH Secret About Carly and Drew!

🛹 Thanks To the Boogaloo…

Everyone’s got to start somewhere.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kimberly-mccullough-thanks-the-man-who-changed-her-life

🥀 Heartache Strikes Again…

Geez, this poor woman needs to catch a break.

Kristina Wagner Mourns the Death of Her Beloved Mother, Carolyn

🍊 If You’re Craving Oranges…

In case yesterday’s smack talk wasn’t enough.

Real Housewives of Orange County Season 17, Episode 3 Recap: We Cut It Close(ed)

🤼‍♀️ Of Course They Do…

A better show might be to lock them in a room until there’s a clear winner.

REPORT: Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga Want Their Own Spinoff Shows Amid RHONJ Feud, Plus Teresa Throws New Dig at Melissa as Fans React

🌪 And In a Surprise Twist…

Reality worlds collide.

Lala Kent Confirms Teresa Giudice Unfollowed Her After WWHL Diss, See What the Vanderpump Rules Star Said About Her Marriage to Luis Ruelas

🍸 VanderPast and Future…

Highly doubtful this was staged, although I’d buy that producers knew about it. Especially if it was going on while they were filming. And Sandoval did already have a storyline going with the Schwartz & Sandy’s mess.

All the Indications That Scandoval Was Staged

What’s to come. Kinda. Sorta. Maybe.

Alex Baskin Addresses Rumors of Former Cast Returning to Vanderpump Rules

🐩 Permanent Guests…

I’ve actually seen the kitty at the Algonquin. Although I’m not sure which number it was.

https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/hotel-pets-america

🥾 On the Beaten Path…

Finish off your week tomorrow with some soap, a pot of tea, and a side of quotes, topped off by music. Until then, stay safe, stay sharing knowledge, and stay remembering that grief has no timetable. Everyone grieves differently and at different paces.

Jun21

June 19, 2023 – Drew Gives Sam Bad News, Hacked, Strange, Strike Out, Oh Daddy, Signs, Wives Guide, Not Done, Crazy, Cattitude, Watch This & Cruel

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Elizabeth looks at Epiphany’s photo on the memorial wall, and says, hello, my friend. I miss you, especially on a day like this. I’m about to start my first shift as head nurse. I’m excited and nervous, and could really use a no-nonsense Epiphany pep talk right now. Remembering your words that I’m the best choice for the job are almost as good… almost. But when I start to doubt myself – which is more often than I care to admit – I remember I was taught by the best, so I got this. I won’t let you down.

Molly thanks Dr. Navarro for seeing her and TJ on such short notice. TJ says, they realize their call is a little… Molly says, spur of the moment. The doctor says, it’s her pleasure, and asks how Molly is feeling since she started treatment for endometriosis. Molly says, better, thanks. She hadn’t realized how much pain she’d been in since the medication got rid of most of it. Unfortunately, there still is some. Dr. Navarro asks if she’s given any more thought to hormone therapy, and Molly says, actually, that’s why they’re here. If she starts hormone therapy, her periods will stop. So before that, they want to harvest her eggs. What’s their first step?

Carly tells Drew, they don’t have to do this. Call his lawyer, and tell him the deal’s off. He says, they already settled this, and she says, if by settling this he means he won’t listen to reason. He says he has the best reason in the whole world, and she kisses him. She says, don’t pin this on her, but he says he’d 100% rather do the time than see her do it, and they kiss again. He tells her that he’ll see her later.

Nina finds Ava in the park, and thanks Ava for meeting her. Ava says, of course (🍷). When Nina said she was going to come clean to Sonny, Ava thought Nina would be in a lot worse shape than she is. She wonders if Nina came to her senses and realized she’s better off without him anyway, but Nina says, no. It turns out she didn’t lose Sonny after all. Ava says, don’t tell her that Sonny forgave her for turning Carly into the SEC, but Nina says, she didn’t tell him. She was ready to tell him; she was thisclose. But she looked into his eyes and couldn’t say the words. Ava says, but what about Ned? Didn’t he regain consciousness yesterday? Nina says, yes, and Ava says, Ned knows what she did. It’s only a matter of time before he tells everybody the truth. Nina tells her, let’s just say Ned is no longer interested in clearing his name.

Elizabeth asks a nurse if Ned is still combative this morning, and she says, only when they forget to call him Eddie Maine. She feels so sorry for his family. At the reception desk, Amy says good morning to Portia, and apologizes for waking her. She thought the on-call room was empty. Portia says she wasn’t really sleeping, and Amy says she hopes the patient’s okay. Portia asks, what patient? and Amy says she figured one of Portia’s patients must have taken a turn for the worse. Why else would she be sleeping at the hospital? Elizabeth hears, and asks Amy to check on Mr. Pascal in 1013 to make sure he ate his breakfast. Amy leaves, and Portia says she’d better get started on her rounds. Elizabeth asks if she wants to talk about it, and Portia says, about what? Elizabeth says, yesterday was Curtis’s birthday, and she knows there weren’t any emergencies on the floor last night. So why did Portia sleep here instead of at home with her husband?

Carly goes to Sonny’s penthouse, and he asks if she’s okay. She sounded awful on the phone. Carly says she thinks Sonny should know that things are about to be resolved with the SEC, and he asks what she did. She says she didn’t. Drew did.

Dante lets Drew into the apartment, and Alexis is there. Drew says, it’s a nice surprise, and she hugs him. She says she was delivering one of Danny’s skateboards, and Sam said he was stopping by, so she thought she’d stay and say hello. He says, it’s always great to see her, and she says, same. Now that she’s said hello, she’s on her way out. Drew asks her to stay; this actually involves her, in a way. Sam asks what he wants to talk to them about, and he says he’s asked his lawyer to offer a plea deal to the SEC, and he has every reason to believe they’re going to accept. Dante asks what Drew offered them, and Drew says he’s going to have to pay a fine, and he’s also going to have to go to prison. Sam asks how long he plans on being in prison (like he decides), and he says, they haven’t accepted the deal yet, but his lawyer proposed six months. Sam says, that doesn’t seem like a good deal to her, and asks if it does to Alexis. Alexis says she wouldn’t recommend it if she were his lawyer, and Drew says his lawyer isn’t crazy about it either, but he’s made up his mind. (Is it me? It doesn’t sound that bad considering it’s usually like, two years.) Dante asks if Diane suggested the same thing for Carly, and Drew says, no. Sam says, of course (🍷) she didn’t. Drew’s going to prison so Carly doesn’t have to. Drew says he’s weighed all the options, and she has to trust him that this is the best possible solution. Sam asks what Carly says about this, and he says he was just hoping they could figure out a way to tell Scout together. She asks, what would be their approach to that conversation, because she doesn’t know how they explain to their six-year-old daughter that he’s not only leaving her again, but this time, it’s his choice.

Taggert goes to Jordan’s office, and she asks, how’s his head? He just looks at her, and she asks, what brings him by? He says he wanted to apologize for being such an ass yesterday, but she says she doesn’t need an apology. She’s just glad to see he sobered up. He says, lesson learned, and she says, since she doesn’t need an apology, and he doesn’t need an intervention, what else can she help him with? He says, actually, there is something. He needs a job, so he was wondering if there’s any room for another detective at the PCPD.

Portia says she knows this is Elizabeth’s first day in charge. She must have a million things to do. Elizabeth says she has a meeting with Monica in an hour. Until then, she’s free if Portia wants to talk. Portia says she doesn’t even know what to say, and Elizabeth says she doesn’t have to go into detail. What she does know is that Portia’s upset, and she wants to help. Portia says she appreciates Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says, stop her if she’s prying. Portia says, pry away, and Elizabeth asks if things aren’t working out with her and Curtis. Portia says she thought they were. Don’t get her wrong; she knew it was going to be a long path to reconciliation, but when Curtis moved back in, she took that as a sign he was ready to try. From the guest room, but still. Elizabeth says, that seems like a fair assumption, and Portia says, they actually started to talk again. Trina came to his birthday party, and it made him really, really happy. Things were still tense, but they were so much better than they had been. She could really start to see a future where they were family, but it turns out Curtis had other ideas.

Ava says, so Ned thinks it’s the 90s, back when he was performing as Eddie Maine? and Nina says, from what she understands, he actually believes he is Eddie Maine. He only remembers his stage persona. He doesn’t remember his life as a Quartermaine at all. Ava asks if that means he doesn’t remember Tracy. She doesn’t think Tracy would take that well. Nina says, all she knows is, he doesn’t remember she was the one who called the SEC, and her secret is safe. Ava says, they’ll get to that, but if Nina didn’t come clean to Sonny, why isn’t she wearing her engagement ring? Nina says, Ava was there. She put it on the mantel when she was going to the hospital to tell Sonny the truth. There she was, ready to come clean… Ava says, and she looked into his eyes, and his dimples… and Nina says, then she had to come up with this lame excuse for why she didn’t have the ring on. She told him that she lost it down the drain. Luckily, when they got to the house, she managed to swipe it off the mantel and put it in the sink. Ava says, she’s crazy. That is a big, very expensive diamond. Nina says, he called the plumber. All right, she panicked. It’s a small price to pay. This is such a mess. Ava says, Nina has to know, this situation is not sustainable. Sooner or later, Ned is going to remember his real life. Nina says, trauma victims often don’t remember the events leading up to their accident. Ned overheard her conversation with Martin, then he bumped his head, so that knowledge may be gone for good. Ava says, she better hope so. If Sonny finds out now, Nina’s going to be under the gun with no way out.

Sonny says, it’s a good deal Drew made. It keeps Carly out of prison. That’s if the Feds agree to the terms. Carly says, it’s not a slam dunk, but Drew’s an optimist. Sonny says, if it keeps her out of prison, then the Feds won’t be pressuring her to flip on him. That’s if he’s really willing to do this. Carly says, he is. She didn’t even hear about this deal until after Drew’s lawyer submitted it to the SEC. Sonny says, it’s an honorable thing to do, and she says, Drew totally cut her out of his decision. Sonny says, how could they get out of this, and nobody take the fall? and she says, that’s the thing; there’s no other way out. At least none that she can see. And if they take their chances in court, they could go to prison for a helluva lot longer than six months.

Nina tells Ava that Ned has a traumatic brain injury. He’s lost most of his life as Ned Quartermaine. If he ever gets his memory back – which she sincerely hopes he does – what are the odds of him remembering this small little detail about her? Ava says, if Ned gets his memory back, she thinks it’s pretty likely that he’d remember being wrongly accused of turning Drew and Carly in to the SEC. Even if he doesn’t, if those two go to prison, everyone who believes he’s innocent will be looking for the guilty party. Nina asks what she’s supposed to do, and Ava says, she’s supposed to do what she said she was going to do. Come clean to Sonny. Tell him that she made a mistake, and wishes she could take it back, but she can’t. Nina says she just can’t do it. She can’t lose Sonny now. And what about Willow? If she finds out Nina is responsible for putting Drew and Carly in prison, Willow’s never going to speak to her again. If the truth comes out, she’ll lose the man that she loves, and she’s going to lose any kind of relationship she has with Willow. She’s just going to have to keep walking the tightrope she’s been walking, and hope for the best. Ava suggests they go for a latte, and Nina says she thought they were going for a run, but Ava says she only agreed to that because she thought Nina would have broken up with Sonny, and would need the endorphins. She clearly doesn’t, but Ava needs the caffeine.

Dr. Navarro says, they’re all set. The technician will be in shortly to prep Molly for the ultrasound. Molly says she can’t wait, and thanks the doctor again. Dr. Navarro leaves, and TJ asks if Molly is okay. Molly says, once she’s on hormone therapy, harvesting her eggs won’t be an option, so it makes sense to do it now. They can decide what they do with the eggs later. He says he hates that she’s in pain, but she says, it’s better. He says, any pain. If the hormone therapy can take that away, he wants her on it as soon as humanly possible. She says, her too. So they freeze her eggs and keep all of their options open. She keeps reminding herself that her endometriosis might make it harder for them to have a baby. He says, but not impossible, and she says, even though she might not be able to carry the baby herself, they can use her eggs and find a surrogate to carry their child. He says, tons of people do it, and she says, they do, but they’re not us. So she has to ask. Would he be okay with using a surrogate?

Alexis says she’s sorry, but she has to go. She has to go to GH and check on Ned. Dante says, they’ll keep her posted, and she leaves. Sam says she’s waiting. How are she and Drew supposed to tell their daughter that he’s chosen to leave her? (I dunno, but I bet it’s easier than having to tell her about a trial dragging on forever, and then him being in Pentenville for a few years.) Drew says he doesn’t want to leave Scout, and she says, then don’t. Fight the charges. It’s not like he and Carly made money on the merger because Carly knew about the merger; the merger didn’t even happen. ELQ and Aurora are still separate companies, and they both lost money. Dante says, not to be cop in the room, but it’s the intent that matters with insider trading. It’s not the outcome. Sam says she doesn’t care, but Drew still deserves the lesser sentence. Carly is the one who bought the shares. Drew says, she was trying to help him and Michael, but Sam says, that’s still on her. Unless he expects her to believe that he and Michael told her to buy the shares to drive up the stock, which not in any universe does she think is possible. Dante says he thinks there are dishes that need to be done, and jets to the kitchen. (The Invader announces, for the first time ever, a man volunteers to do dishes. Just kidding, male readers.) Drew asks Sam not to make this any harder than it already is, and she says she’s not going to make it any easier, that’s for damn sure. He says, this is the best way out of a bad situation, and she says, best way for who? Not for him. Not for their daughter. So she guesses it’s best for Carly then. He says, Carly’s got primary custody of Donna. If Carly goes to prison, Donna’s whole world gets turned upside down. Scout has Sam and Dante, and she’s used to not seeing him. She says, what is he talking about? He was held captive in a dungeon for half of her life. Drew says, she can bring Scout to see him in Spring Ridge, and she says, that makes everything okay. He says, Dante is an amazing father, but she says, don’t you do that. Dante and Scout have an excellent relationship, but Dante is not Scout’s father; he is. When they lost Drew the first time, Scout was truly too young to miss him. She didn’t know what she was missing because she had no memories of him. But now she’s going to know he’s gone, and she’s going to miss him every single day of her life, and she’s not going to watch their daughter go through that kind of pain.

Jordan says, Taggert wants to work here? Again? He says he’s a good detective, and she says, one of the best. She just thought he preferred working for himself these days. Picking and choosing his own cases. He says he did. It was great, but now with all this traveling, it’s getting old. He wants to stay in Port Charles. She says, so this is about Trina, and he says, if he told her no, would she believe him? She says, and she thought it was the booze talking yesterday. Come on. Is he really worried Curtis will replace him in Trina’s life?

Portia tells Elizabeth, all these months, all she wanted was for Curtis to move back home. She thought they needed to be together, so they could figure out if they could get their marriage to work. But as soon as her feelings get hurt, she runs away. Elizabeth asks why she ran. With Curtis in the guest bedroom, Portia could have avoided him if she wanted to. Portia says, that’s just the thing. She didn’t want to avoid Curtis. She wanted to hurt him the way he’d hurt her. She didn’t go home last night because she was afraid if she and Curtis were in the same house, she would say something in anger that she couldn’t take back. And then that would push Curtis to say something he couldn’t take back, and then their marriage would really be over. Elizabeth says, so despite what Portia found out about him and how he hurt her, she still wants a life with him? Portia says, sure… She doesn’t know. They sit, and Portia says she’s been working so hard to regain Curtis’s trust. She wanted to show him that she could make up for all the mistakes she’s made. He kept saying, it was too soon to talk, and she’s thinking, it’s because she hurt him so deeply that he needed time to heal; she needed time to atone. In her mind, they were both getting stronger, and they were going to come together and work on their marriage. Turns out Curtis wasn’t thinking about their marriage. He wasn’t thinking about her at all.

Jordan says she can’t imagine what a blow it must have been; Taggert learning Trina wasn’t his biological child. She is still his daughter, no matter what. He tells her, that’s what everyone keeps saying, and she says, he honestly doesn’t think Trina would cut him out of her life, does he?

TJ says, he wants to raise his and Molly’s child with her, no matter how they get there, and she says, if they choose surrogacy, how do they choose the surrogate? It’s a huge responsibility. He asks, what qualities are essential besides general good health? No drinking, non-smoker. Molly says, she has to be a vegetarian, and he says, agreed. Is that it? She says she doesn’t know. How picky can they get? Can they ask her to read to the baby, and listen to classical music, and to refrain from watching any violent movies? He says he’s not sure, and she says, fortunately, there are experts who can advise them. He says, right. Let’s listen to the experts. You know what? He thinks this’ll work. They kiss.

Jordan says, they don’t have to talk about it if Taggert doesn’t want to, and he thanks her, adding, he doesn’t. So let’s talk about that job. She says, bottom line, she doesn’t have room in the budget for another detective, and he says, oh well. Didn’t hurt to ask. She says, but she does have another position opening up, and he says he’s listening. What job? She says, hers.

Drew tells Sam, if he could find a better solution, he’d take it in a heartbeat. It breaks his heart thinking of being away from Scout. Things he’ll be missing. Things they’ll be missing together. The things they love to do together; like camping, and the holidays, and trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving and Christmas. She says she just wants him to know how important he is to Scout; that he’s not taking this deal because he thinks Scout won’t miss him. Because she will. She’ll miss him every day. She loves her daddy. He says he knows that, and he loves her too. Please don’t ever let her doubt that.

Carly tells Sonny that she still can’t believe Ned turned them in. Speaking of whom, is it true? Ned thinks he’s Eddie Maine? Sonny says, yep, it’s true. Olivia is so upset because he says he doesn’t know anybody. He even told Leo that he thinks Leo’s not his son. Carly says, poor Leo, and Sonny says, that’s Ned. Even when he doesn’t know who he is, he’s hurting people. (Ha-ha! Poor Ned.) She says, before all this happened, she and Drew were trying to figure out a way to persuade Ned to get the SEC to drop the charges. He asks if she can tell him what the plan is, but she says, it doesn’t matter. He thinks he’s Eddie Maine. And it makes her sick to think of Drew behind bars again, after everything Peter August and Victor Cassadine did to him. Nina walks in with Ava.

Elizabeth says, Curtis wouldn’t move back in if he’d truly given up on their marriage, and Portia says, she’s right. This is why she shouldn’t be talking to Curtis yet. She’s just not ready. She has no clarity. She’s just a ball of hurt and resentment right now. Elizabeth’s phone chimes several times, and Elizabeth says, and so it begins. Portia asks if those are all from the same person, and Elizabeth says she wishes. Portia says, that’s what comes with being in charge. Go. Be head nurse. Just remember… They say it together, you asked for this. Elizabeth suggests they pick this up over lunch, and Portia thanks her, but says, Elizabeth has helped her realize who she really needs to be talking to.

Alexis sees TJ looking at some files, and she says, he’s working? She thought he and Molly had an appointment with Dr. Navarro this morning. He says he’s not officially working, but since he’s here… She says, he couldn’t help himself. He says, Molly’s having an ultrasound to have an some-medical-term count, and Alexis says, what’s that? since she’s as confused as I am about that word. He says, it’s a way to determine how many eggs Molly has left, which will tell them how many eggs they can hope for if they harvest them. Alexis says, that’s good, right? and he says, yes. It gives them options just in case. She says she knows this isn’t how he and Molly imagined having a baby, and he says, it sure isn’t. Funny thing is, ever since they were teenagers, they were told, don’t have sex; you could get pregnant. Alexis asks if they heard that from anyone else besides her, or was she the lone voice in the wilderness? but he says, it felt like everybody. She says, but her voice was the loudest? It happens often. Go on. He says, they were so careful, but now that they actually want a baby, it’s not this instantaneous thing they’ve been worried about all these years. And if that’s not confusing enough, it’s no longer private. Something just between him and Molly, it’s doctors, testing, labs. She says she knows they didn’t plan it this way, and she knows it’s not ideal. He and Molly can keep focused on the prize, which will be a baby coming to them, one way or the other.

Jordan says she’s the new acting Deputy Mayor, and Taggert says, wow! That’s amazing. Congratulations. She thanks him, but says, she can’t do both jobs. She needs to find her replacement. He says, she’d be like his boss? and she says, yes, just like she would have been if he’d taken the detective job. She can’t just offer him the position, but she can run it up the flagpole and see if it flies. He asks if she thinks he can really be Police Commissioner, and she says, if she didn’t think he’d be good at the job, she wouldn’t have mentioned it. So what does he think?

Carly says, she was just leaving, and addresses Ava as she walks out. Sonny says, good run? and Nina says, they decided to walk to Perks instead. Ava asks, how things are with Carly? Is there anything new from the SEC? Sonny says he hates to disappoint Ava, but the insider trading charges aren’t going to be a problem for Carly. Nina asks, why is that? and Sonny says, there’s a deal in the works. Carly and Drew are just going to have to pay a fine, so she doesn’t have to spend any time behind bars. Nina says, Carly didn’t agree to give Sonny up to save herself, did she? but he says, nothing like that. Drew agreed to spend some time at Spring Ridge, so Carly doesn’t have to go to prison.

Drew tells Sam, Scout didn’t even remember him when he got back. She was so shy around him; they’ve come so far. Sam says, now she can’t wait to be around him, especially when he picks her up for sleepovers. He says, she’ll have sleepovers at the Quartermaines, and he’s sure she’s still going to try and teach Leo and Annabelle II how to play the keyboard. Sam says, but who’s going to be there to teach her how to play the harmonica? Or go to her swim meets? Can he really stand not seeing their daughter for six months? He says, no, he can’t, but he’s going to have to. There’s a knock at the door, and Dante opens it to Carly. She says she thought Sam might have a few things she wants to say to her, and Sam says, Drew’s going to prison. She’s not happy about that. Carly says, neither is she, and Sam says, but it is his decision, so she respects that. Carly says, for the record, she tried to talk him out of it, and Sam says she appreciates that. She turns to Drew and asks if he’s figured out a way for them to tell their daughter. He says, the deal hasn’t been officially accepted yet, and she says, he thinks they should wait. He says he thinks it’s better they don’t say anything until he has an exact date that he’s heading to Spring Ridge. Sam says, Scout doesn’t need to know any maybes. This is going to be hard enough. Drew says, which is another reason he wanted to talk, so that Sam, him, and Dante can figure out how to tell her. Dante says, Drew wants him there? and Drew says, absolutely. Dante says, that means a lot. Thanks. Drew says, Dante means a lot to Scout, and he’s grateful she’s going to have the two of them in her life while he’s gone.

Alexis goes to the reception desk, and Amy asks if she’s here to see Mr. Maine. She’s trying to get used to calling him that instead of his real name. At least until he remembers who he is. Isn’t it crazy that he thinks he’s this singer from back in the day? Elizabeth calls over to Amy, who says she didn’t see Elizabeth behind her. Elizabeth says she just got here, but Amy must have… Amy says, patients to check on, and leaves.

Nina says, words fail her, and Ava says she thinks it’s great news, especially for little Donna. Sonny says he’s just glad his daughter doesn’t have to go through the pain of not having a mother, even if it’s temporary. But he does have some good news. Guess what the plumber found in the pipeline? He shows Nina her ring.

Sam tells Dante that she hates that Drew decided without consulting anyone. At the same time, she’s glad they have time to think of how to break it to Scout. He says he thinks they just have to tell her it’s temporary; that her dad is coming back. Sam says, maybe they can make her a chest, and he says, like a treasure chest? She says, exactly, snuggling next to him on the couch. They can put in report cards, her artwork, and… He says, disciplinary actions, and she laughs. She says, all the little things she does, and when Drew gets out, they can go through it together. He says he thinks it’s a great idea. That way, he won’t miss anything. She says, he’s going to miss a lot.

Walking outside, Drew says he’s so happy Carly and Sam are friends. She’s going to need a good, solid support system when he’s gone. She says, he’s going to prison. That means he’s going to be a prisoner again. (Another Sherlock!) He says, Spring Ridge is not exactly an underground cell in Crete. (Thank you.) He’ll be fine. She says she knows he’ll be fine; she’s not. How is she supposed to be okay without him? They hug.

Molly comes back, and TJ says he ran into her mom. He told her what they were considering. He hopes that was okay. She says, of course (🍷) it is. She’ll call her mom later, but right now why don’t they go somewhere and get coffee, and enjoy her rare day off. He says, they’ve already seen her OB/GYN. How can they top that? She really knows how to party. They walk, and Dr. Navarro comes by. She says she was just about to call them. Molly’s test results came in. Wow. Fastest. Lab. Ever.

Ava says she’ll leave them to it, and asks Nina to call her later. Sonny wants to talk to Frank, and Nina says she’ll walk Ava out. They go around the corner, and Nina says, can you believe it? Carly gets off scot free – again. Ava says she’s appalled, but not entirely surprised, and Nina says, Carly is the one who bought the damn stock. She’s the one who acted on the information she wasn’t supposed to have. Carly should go to prison; not Drew. It’s not fair. Ava says, there is a bright side to this Nina isn’t seeing. Carly getting off is really the best thing that could happen for Nina. Nina asks how Carly staying out of prison and staying in Port Charles good for her, and Ava says, because if Carly went to prison, and Sonny found out it was because of her, a broken engagement would be the least of her worries. If he finds out now, there’s a chance he might forgive Nina… maybe. Nina says, it’s small comfort.

Drew tells Carly, it’s six months. It’s not going to be fun, but they’ll get through this. She says she knows. He’s right. He says, does she know what else he is? Not wrong yet. They’re going to make the most of their time together. She says, that sounds like a challenge, and he says, what if it is? She says, challenge accepted, and they kiss.

Sonny puts Nina’s ring on her finger, saying, back where it belongs. She says she’s so relieved. It didn’t feel right not having it on. He says, never take it off, and she says she won’t. They kiss.

Elizabeth sees Amy, and asks if they need to talk about patient confidentiality, but Amy says, no, and she’s sorry. It’s just that Miss Davis and Mr. Quartermaine are practically family. Elizabeth says she knows, but practically family… Amy says, isn’t actually family. It won’t happen again. Elizabeth thanks her, and asks if she’s seen Portia. Amy says, her office is locked. She thinks Dr. Robinson left.

There’s a knock at Jordan’s office door, and she says, come in. Portia walks in, not looking too happy.

Tomorrow, Lucy asks Maxie, what exactly is the story; Gladys wants to know what someone thinks they have; and Portia asks, what on earth possessed Jordan to kiss her husband?

🕊 Nothing Is Sacred…

Although the posts do seem a little odd. I would think people caught on pretty quickly.

Nancy Lee Grahn Isn’t Leaving GH — Her Twitter Was Hacked!

🙋🏻‍♂️ It’s Not Right…

What a bummer he didn’t get a proper goodbye.

Charles Shaughnessy Opens up About His “Strange” Goodbye to GH

🪧 No Picket Sign For You…

Looks like there’s been a workaround.

Soap Stars Will Not Go on Strike With SAG-AFTRA

💪 Who’s Your Daddy…?

A little DILF for your coffee.

Soap Stars Celebrate Father’s Day — See the Family Photos!

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Here’s a Shock…

Even though she’s no prize, I’m dumbfounded Teresa takes the amount of crap she does from Louie. I figure she’s either in it for the money (and does he really have money?), or the TV time, or both.

Signs That Divorce Is Around the Corner for Teresa Giudice and Luis Ruelas

👠 History Lesson…

A handy guide to the Housewives franchise.

Real Housewives Complete Guide: Updates, Cast, Cities, Spin Offs

⚓️ He’s Got Plans…

It absolutely sucks that my Boat Daddy won’t be on Deck anymore, but I’m glad to hear there’s a Plan B.

Captain Lee Rosbach Dishes on Life After Below Deck

⛴ In Related News…

It doesn’t seem as bad as some of the things that have been on Deck. Well, except for the 💩 one.

https://nypost.com/2023/06/18/i-worked-on-a-superyacht-and-here-are-some-of-the-craziest-requests-ive-gotten/

🐈‍⬛ Follow That Cat…

Who could resist this feline fatling?

https://celebritypets.net/big-kitty-puss-puss-the-cat-with-an-attitude-as-big-as-her-appetite/

📺 If you can, catch Bryan Cranston on Watch What Happens Live. He reenacted Ariana’s speech to Sandoval where she told him that she was sorry she ever loved him. It was the best.

🏖 Currently Doing Summer…

Circle back tomorrow for soap and probably some OC smack talk. Until then, stay safe, stay not being your own worst enemy, and stay keeping focused on the prize, even if it didn’t come the way you’d planned.

Jun17

June 16, 2023 – Ned Is Brought Out of Twilight Sleep, School’s Out, Not Too Late, Something, Après Rules, Messy Lou, Almost Here, Pets (!) Of the Famous, 3 Squared Quotes & Parade

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Finn plays a solo game of Backgammon in the breakroom, when Elizabeth walks in and asks if he’s playing against himself. He asks what she wants to hear, and she asks if he has no friends. He says, Tracy’s back in town, so he’s practicing. He can’t let her beat him. She’s impossible to deal with under normal circumstances. If she got a win… He’s got to stay on his toes. Elizabeth says, maybe she can help, and sits across from him.

Diane and Alexis find seats at the Bistro, and Diane says she keeps forgetting this place serves Earl Grey by default. She’s not a fan. Alexis says, take it back and get something else, but Diane says she can’t. Alexis calls her a martyr, and asks why she’s so cranky. Somebody on her mind? Diane says, if she’s referring to DA Scorpio, no. Holly left town; Robert told her himself. Alexis says, that sounds good… isn’t it? but Diane says, he couldn’t say if or when she was going to return. Alexis says, sounds like a win to her. She’s gone; he’s here. So is Diane.

On the phone, Cody says he knows they have a lot going on right now, but he wouldn’t call if it wasn’t important. Sam asks if he got arrested again, and he says, no, but he does need her help. She says, with what? and he says, exposing Gladys Corbin.

Sasha comes into Willow’s room, apologizing for being late, but Willow says she imagines it take time to get all suited up. Sasha says, that’s not what distracted her. She got hung up by an email. Willow says she has no concept of time in this room. She’s just glad Sasha’s here. Sasha says, Willow looks so much better, and Willow thanks her. She says she doesn’t want to sound insensitive, but Sasha’s eyes look red. Has she been crying? Sasha says, time to rethink Deception’s concealer formula (well, I would hope you don’t put it in your eyes), and Willow asks, what’s going on? Sasha says she was crying because of Nina.

On the phone, Michael asks Dex if there’s any news from the Pikeman camp… Keep him posted. It’s important Sonny thinks things are status quo. He doesn’t want Sonny to know they had any connection. Chase comes along and asks how Willow is doing. Michael says, she’s holding her own. Sasha’s in with her right now. Chase says, no more phones? and Michael says, they still have to wear masks and gowns to keep the room sterile, but she’s only allowed one visitor at a time. Chase says, that’s great. He’s sure she appreciates the human contact. Michael says, what about him? and Chase says he’s actually trying to avoid human contact. Everybody’s on the 10th floor, waiting for news about Ned, and he doesn’t want to get in the way of… Michael says, Brook’s sweet Granny Tracy?

TJ checks Ned’s vitals, as Olivia stands by nervously. Tracy and Brook come in, and Brook asks how he is. Olivia tells them, the doctor said, it’s time to bring Ned out of his twilight sleep. Brook says, sounds hopeful, and Tracy asks TJ, is it hopeful?

Finn tells Elizabeth that backgammon dates back 5000 years, and she says she didn’t realize she was in for a history lesson. Elizabeth makes a good move, and Finn says, that was lucky. Gilgamesh, the Mesopotamian king who wanted immortality, would play. She says she guesses he had to do something if he was going to live forever, and Finn says, big time player? Cleopatra. Elizabeth says, wow, and Finn says, maybe the best of all; Lucille Ball. She and Sammy Davis would just sit down at parties and start playing backgammon. She asks if he’s trying to distract her with this amazing information and his dazzling charm, and he says, the dazzling charm comes naturally. The backgammon history is a bonus. She says, so he’s a charmer and a nerd; it’s a winning combination. He asks if she just called him a nerd, and she makes a winning move, saying, she thinks she likes this game.

Diane tells Alexis, Robert said his complicated life just got less complicated. Isn’t that attractive? Then their uncomplicated conversation became more complicated after Olivia Quartermaine came over and started pressing Robert for inside information on the SEC case, and was there a possible deal on the table where her client Carly could give up her client Sonny. Alexis says, and Diane was all ears, and Diane says, of course (🍷) she was. Robert didn’t seem to appreciate that. She just doesn’t know if they’re compatible. Alexis says, Diane really likes those bad boy clients, doesn’t she? and Diane says, she likes the bad boy clients? She coughs, saying, Jerry Jax…. cough, cough… Julian Jerome. Alexis says, stop. Everyone to their corners. Diane says, that’s not what she wanted to talk about anyway. She’s consulting on a new case, and she needs Alexis’s great wisdom. Has she ever heard of Bidz Secure? With a Z. It’s crypto currency. Alexis says she doesn’t do that, and Diane says, neither does she. Just stay with her. It’s a digital currency security start-up. Their client is the CFO who’s been accused of stealing the keys to a big wallet which has somehow gone missing. Alexis says, a big wallet? and Diane says, it’s not a real wallet. It’s a digital wallet. He says he’s being framed by the CEO, who’s apparently a real crypto bro, according to her associate. Alexis says, that’s a he said/he said, and Diane says, the wife of the crypto bro CEO says she actually witnessed their client downloading funds, so it’s a he said/she said/he said. Alexis says, it sounds like Diane doesn’t believe what she said. Does she have any evidence? Diane says, no. The security is all in the digital ether, so there’s no paper trail. It’s keystrokes and clicks, and no, she doesn’t believe her. According to Diane’s associate, her husband is a real shark. Alexis says, so where does the shark swim? What does the shark eat? Diane asks if Alexis is having a stroke. What is she talking about? Alexis says, hunger. She may not know anything about tech bros, but she knows something about bros, and if it were her, she would be looking into the proclivities and the extracurricular activities of this certain CEO, and Diane might find something that his wife doesn’t like. If she’s going out on a limb for a lying cheater, or worse, she might think twice. Diane says, Alexis Davis, you are yummy and brilliant and devious, and Alexis says, all’s fair in love and law.

Cody tells Sam that he’ll fill her in when she gets here. He’s at the stables. He thanks her, and flashes back to talking to Brook saying he has the support of her entire family, granny aside. He says, Comet would miss him. Wouldn’t you boy? He puts his forehead against the horse, and says, apparently, there’s a few people out there who would. Don’t worry. Gladys won’t get rid of him that easily.

TJ says, his hope is that the sedation allowed Ned’s brain to rest, preventing any further swelling and maybe decreasing it. Tracy says, hope; that’s carefully worded. He says, medical professionals are discouraged from giving blanket assurances, but he can tell them that Ned’s medical team is cautiously optimistic. Brook thanks him, and asks, what’s next? TJ says, they’ll wake him up and assess his cognitive state, and Olivia says she was told there was a slight chance of lasting effects. Tracy says, like what? and he says, they’re getting ahead of themselves. Instead of rattling off a list of possible complications, they’ll start with removing Ned’s IV sedation, and work from there.

Diane says, Alexis misses being a lawyer; she can hear it. Alexis says, miss it? Being a lawyer is like voluntarily signing up to go into battle with an army of paperwork and legal jargon. It’s like navigating a perverse maze of precedents and cases that have no mercy. Diane says, but cracking the case. Wiping the smug grin off the face of opposing counsel. That was never done to her of course (🍷), but then there’s winning, winning, winning. Alexis says, pages and pages and pages of statutory law that you have to memorize, only to find out that it’s just been revised, and Diane says, it’s like putting together a giant puzzle. Alexis says, you get no sleep, you have no life, because you know you have to be in court for the next 20 days in a row, and Diane says, that’s why we have caffeine. Alexis says, to watch an innocent person get exonerated and order restored to a chaotic world. God, she misses it so much. It’s like losing a limb. She misses arguing in court; she loved arguing. And the thrill of advocating for justice. It’s who she is. She can’t just stand on the sidelines and watch. Diane says, like a reporter?

Sam arrives at the stables, and tells Cody, this better be important. She’s got to go back to the hospital. He asks, how’s Ned? Leo and Brook were here earlier. So was Tracy. Sam says, so he met Tracy, and he says, it was quite the experience. She’s a mother who’s worried about her son. They’re all worried. Sam says she and Dante are at the hospital supporting Dante’s mother, so if Cody wouldn’t mind being brief; what’s his plan? He says, that’s what he needs her help with, and she says she thought he needed help executing the plan, not brainstorming the whole damn thing. He’s never had problems executing his own schemes before. He says, way harsh. Besides, she has proximity to the Corinthos family. She can gain inside knowledge on Gladys a helluva lot easier than he could. Besides, she’s the only one who knows the whole story and believes him. She says she doesn’t know the whole story. He never told her Gladys’s motive for framing him. He says, she does believe him, right?

Willow says, Nina made Sasha cry? What has she done now? Sasha says, it’s not what Willow thinks. These are tears of joy. Willow asks if they’re in a parallel universe. Nina sparked joy? Sasha says, very funny. Willow must be feeling better. Willow says she’s just trying to process, and Sasha says she knows Willow’s relationship with Nina has been… Willow says, disastrous… fraught, and Sasha says, and this is all her fault. There was a time when she and Nina were at odds, remember? Willow says, now Sasha will tell her again how that’s all changed, and Sasha says, it has changed. Nina just wrote her the most wonderful letter of commendation to end her guardianship. Willow says, that’s great. She’s so proud of Sasha. Sasha thanks her, and says she’s finally ready to move forward. How about Willow?

Michael says, so Tracy is putting Chase through the paces, and Chase says, oh yeah. Now he knows how Comet feels. Michael says, she’s not as bad as she seems. When the chips are down, she loves her family, and she’s extremely loyal. Maybe too loyal, but she loves Brook. They have this whole love/hate thing going on. Chase says, but Brook can hold her own. It’s actually kind of fun to watch. Michael says, looks like someone is getting desensitized to the Quartermaine ways, and Chase asks how Michael is holding up through all this. Michael says, it’s a roller coaster. But they’ll get to the other side. He’s just really thankful for the nanny, because with Wiley’s endless energy and keeping Amelia on track is a non-stop juggling act. Chase says he can’t imagine that. It’s got to take a lot of strength and patience, especially while worrying about Willow.

Tracy asks, how long is this going to take? and Brook asks if she has a pickleball championship. Why doesn’t she wait outside with Dante? Olivia says, TJ told them, it could be twenty minutes; it could be a few hours. Tracy is acting like a six-year-old on a road trip. Stop. Tracy says, where is the doctor? Can’t they be doing more? What happened to the Quartermaine name? Monica left them… Olivia says, seriously? Tracy can’t sit in her own son’s ICU room without complaining about everything? Tracy says, he’s used to it. It’s like home. Ned moves his head, and Tracy says she rests her case. Olivia says, they’re here, and Ned opens his eyes, the three of them coming into focus. He closes his eyes again, as we all would.

Elizabeth sets up another game, and Finn says, today’s the last day of being just Nurse Baldwin. How does it feel? She says, it feels good. She’s happy to have been chosen for this position. She hopes she can do some good. Maybe bring some healing to this hospital. Lord knows they could use it after losing Epiphany. He says he thinks she’s the right person to bring back the humanity they need, and she thanks him. She says she keeps telling herself, this isn’t about her. It’s about her service to the patients and the staff who work so hard. She’s been linked to this hospital her entire life. One of her grandfathers was Dr. Hardy, the symbol of virtue, the true hero of General Hospital. I find myself nodding. It’s in this place she’s had her highest highs and her lowest lows. This place has put her back together more times than she’d like to count. Let’s not forget all the legends of the nurses station; Jessie Brewer, Bobbie Spencer, and Epiphany. Sometimes she wonders if she’s strong enough to be like them. Finn says, she is strong. In the end, she might be the strongest of them all.

Sam says she bailed Cody out. If she’d thought he was a thief, she wouldn’t have bothered. He thanks her, and she says, maybe it’s best if he does this legally. Why doesn’t he ask Dante for help? He says he doesn’t want to compromise Dante, and she laughs, and says, but he’s compromising her? He says he could just skip town, but she’d be out her bail money, and she says she’d find him in a heartbeat. He says he has no doubt, and feeds Comet some carrots. He says, it kills him that Sasha doesn’t know who Gladys really is, and Sam says, which is why they need to prove that the bracelet was planted. He says, Sasha needs to know that Gladys can’t be trusted. So does Port Charles. Sam suggests they just focus on keeping him out of jail, and not bite off more than they can chew. Feeding Comet more carrots, Cody tells her, Comet says, why limit ourselves?

Michael tells Chase that his heart breaks every time there’s a moment with Amelia, and Willow’s not there to experience it. The other day, Amelia looked up at him and smiled at him for the first time, like she really saw him. It was incredible, but Willow wasn’t there; she was here. He tries to record what he can on his phone, but it’s not the same. Willow needs to be there, experiencing it firsthand, to see the look on Amelia’s face when she lights up. It’s time she’ll never get back. Chase says, she’ll be able to watch those videos forever, and she’ll treasure every single one of them. Even more because she’ll know Michael took the time to record, even though he was going through his own hell.

Sasha tells Willow that she just met with Dr. Montague. He’s the psychiatrist the court appointed to evaluate her. Willow asks, how’d it go? and Sasha says, pretty good? She thinks. It’s hard to know for sure. Willow is sure Dr. Montague was very impressed. Why wouldn’t he be? Sasha has survived things that would have broken anyone else. Sasha says, Willow’s one to talk, and Willow says, having the support of family and friends has made all the difference. Sasha says, same, and Nina was a very big part of that for her. Nina was there for her when she gave Nina every reason to hate her. She pretended to be the thing Nina wanted more than anything. Nina was searching for her daughter, and what she and Valentin did was horrible, but Nina somehow found the strength and love to forgive her. That could not have been easy. Willow says she sees what Sasha is doing, but Nina has put her and the family she loves through the wringer. Some things can’t be forgiven.

Finn says, maybe it’s time for a Hardy to be in charge again. Elizabeth’s Gram was a legend in her own right. It’s kind of her destiny. Elizabeth says, those are some big shoes to fill, and he says, the shoe fits, Cinderella. He’s sorry he couldn’t join her celebration last night. She says, couldn’t or wouldn’t? She realizes girls night out isn’t for everyone, but we missed you. He says, we? and she says, I missed you. He says, hopefully, there will be many more celebrations, but he knew she needed a night out with her best friends. She says she’d like to think he’s one of them, and he says, no doubt about it.

Olivia says, thank God. She’s been praying so hard. She knew he’d wake up. Tracy tells her, back off. His brain’s been deprived of enough oxygen. She tells Ned, say something, but Brook says, don’t rush him. Ned says, water, and Brook gets a glass, Olivia putting the straw in his mouth. TJ comes in, and says, that was fast. Tracy says she wouldn’t expect any less, and TJ tells Ned, welcome back. Does he know why he’s in the hospital?

Alexis says, Diane’s not the only one she complains to about her job. While Diane was chatting it up at The Savoy with Robert’s ex, she was complaining to Felicia about her job. Diane says, her, complain? and Alexis says she believes in free press. She believes in reporters. And maybe that passion for complaining just fuels that commitment… She just wishes she were more fulfilled at The Invader. Diane says, but? and Alexis says she sometimes makes a difference. She sometimes shines a light on a story that’s important, but those stories hardly ever happen. For every impactful story, it’s like there’s a zillion mundane, stupid ones, like celebrity gossip or fashion. It’s like finding a needle of significance in a haystack of triviality. Diane says, it’s not exactly Woodward and Bernstein, and Alexis says, maybe she’s just spreading herself too thin, and needs to take advantage of her support team, and do some serious outreach. Diane says, yes, her support team. That now includes – she clears her throat – the wonderful Esme Prince.

Michael says, Chase is right. He needs to focus on the future. Once Willow is released, they’ll have the rest of their lives to make more moments together. Chase says, and they will, but until then, don’t forget to send a flare up when things get tough. His friends are here, and they want to help. Michael thanks him, and says, despite all the angst and craziness with the kids, he wouldn’t trade being a father for anything. Chase says he can see that, and Michael asks if Chase ever thinks about children. Chase says, talk about turning the tables, and Michael asks if it’s a touchy subject. Chase says, no, of course (🍷) not. He grew up in a great family. His dad was always there. His mom was kind of busy, but they both loved him. Michael says, so how about it? and Chase says, let him put it this way. He definitely loves kids, and he and Brook are back together, but as for his own, that’s a long way off in the future. Michael says, the future kind of has a habit of catching up to you sooner than you think.

Sasha says, Willow’s relationship with Nina is complicated, but so is hers. She lied to Nina, she conned her, she broke Nina’s heart. And she put Brando through hell with her addiction. Both times, she was the recipient of grace; forgiven. And recently, she wrongfully accused a friend of something. Willow says, and she was forgiven? but Sasha says, he doesn’t hold it against her, but he’s not sure he can be her friend. Willow says she’s sorry, and Sasha says, so is she. It’s painful wanting to connect to someone you’ve wronged, even if they don’t owe you a thing.

Sam says, Cody’s innocence is going to be a lot easier to prove than Gladys’s guilt, and Cody says, tell it to his lawyer. She says, what lawyer? and he says, Scott Baldwin. She asks why Scotty isn’t dealing with this, and he says, Scotty is working on something else for him. She says, bigger than a conviction for grand larceny? They have to prove Gladys was in his pants the night of the Nurses Ball. He says, she was in his jacket, thank you very much, and the PCPD already looked into all this. There was no surveillance footage. She says, there are other ways.

Finn asks if Elizabeth wants to play, and she says, yeah, she wants to play. He asks if they’re still talking about backgammon, and she laughs, saying, yes, they’re talking about backgammon. He says, just checking, and they sit back at the board. He says he’s a little afraid. He thinks she cheats. She says she wants that cup, and he hands her the cup with the dice. She shakes them up, and spills them onto the board. They play another game, and she beats him again.

Alexis says, Esme Prince, the latest entrant into the Cassadine family Squid Game, and Diane laughs. Alexis says she did that as a favor to Laura, and Diane says, that’s some favor. Esme is a… not nice person… snake. That’s mild. Is Alexis sure that’s wise? Alexis says, since when has she done anything that’s wise? and Diane says, Alexis is one of the wisest people she knows. Occasionally, she’s led astray by her passion and idealism. Alexis says, in this case, she was just trying to provide Esme with some stability, so she doesn’t run off with Laura’s grandchild in tow. Diane says, it’s generous of her, and Alexis says, actually, she has a soft spot for Esme. Alexis knows firsthand what it’s like to have a psychotic parent, and Esme’s got two. And Gregory actually keeps her calm. Diane says, Gregory? and Alexis says, he’s agreed to join the editorial board. Diane says she thought Alexis was persona non grata when she went over his head and called the dean, but Alexis says, they have an understanding now. She can be his friend and care about him; she just can’t meddle. And the editorial board is actually happy to have him, and he’s happy to be in his erudite element. Diane says, so all’s well that ends well, and Alexis says, to quote the Bard.

Sasha asks if she can read Willow something, and Willow says, sure. Sasha reads: Sasha Gilmore is not defined by her past. No matter our mistakes, shortcomings, or circumstances, everyone deserves another chance to build a life that once seemed impossible. Willow says, that’s what Nina wrote about Sasha, isn’t it? and Sasha nods. Willow says, she writes well, and Sasha says, she writes from her heart. But maybe she was also writing about herself. Maybe it’s a prayer of sorts. All she knows is that Nina’s capacity for forgiveness is massive. Something tells her, it might be hereditary.

In the elevator, Michael says he’s glad Chase and Brook are back together. They’re good for each other. Chase says, there’s never a dull moment, that’s for sure. Last weekend, she took him to the Beecher’s Corners flea market. She said she had a surprise for him, and whisked him away on this whirlwind tour. It was like she was possessed; like she had this sixth sense for finding vintage clothing. They leave the elevator, and Michael says, Brook is usually all over the place, but Chase grounds her. She can be her own worst enemy. Chase is like a moral compass for her. It’s important each person bring something to the relationship, so they can complement each other. That’s what Willow does for him. She really helped him focus on what really matters, and Chase does that for Brook. Chase asks what Brook does for him, but Michael says, you tell me.

Ned says, his head… hurts, and TJ says, he has a head injury. They’ll get him a drip to manage the pain. Does he know how he hurt his head? Ned says, did he fall? and Tracy says, yes, at the MetroCourt pool. Ned says, pool… and Olivia says, hopefully, he won’t sue the owner. Tracy says, what she wants to know is why he came barreling out like he had some earthshattering news to tell Drew. What got him all fired up?

Diane says, she and Alexis need to exercise together, and Alexis asks, what’s wrong with her? Diane says, come on, but Alexis says, no. Diane says she’s going to take Alexis to her trapeze class. It is such a good workout. Alexis says, she knows a girl who broke her foot playing pickleball (WOTD), and Diane says, then they’ll do yoga. It’s nice, it’s safe, it’s close to the ground. All that stretching and core. Alexis says, it sounds hard, and Diane says, you are impossible. Alexis says, but consistent, giving Diane a thumbs up before she leaves.

Finn says he thinks the tide is turning, and Elizabeth says, we’ll see. She rolls the dice, and he says, ouch. That’s got to hurt a little bit. She calls him Genghis Khan, and he says, Genghis Khan playing backgammon? Is she sure? She says, if he did, she’s sure this world would be a much different place. He says he’s sure it would, and she rolls again. She says she doesn’t like this game anymore, and she has to get back to work. She doesn’t want that head nurse breathing down her neck. He says, she’s okay; I’ve heard some good things about her. She says she hopes it stays that way, and he says he’s sure it will. She bids him goodnight and leaves. He sighs and rolls the dice, getting snake eyes. He says, the tide is turning, and moves his pieces.

Sam calls Spinelli, and Cody says, no, wait, but she doesn’t pay attention to him. She tells Spinelli that she’s got a job for him, making a shushing motion to Cody.

Willow asks if Sasha thinks she’s been too hard on Nina, but Sasha says she didn’t say that. There’s been real harm done. All she’s saying is, the story doesn’t have to end there. Willow says she told Wiley, new beginnings are always possible, and Sasha flashes back to Cody telling her that Gladys framed him. He says, even if she doesn’t believe that, at least she believes he’s not a thief, and he hopes someday she knows he’s the one telling her the truth. She tells Willow, he’s got a wise mommy, and Willow blows her a kiss.

Chase tells Michael that he’s going to check in on Brook, and see how Ned’s doing… or he could just text her, and avoid Tracy. Michael says, that’s not really Chase’s style though, is it? and Chase says, no. He has to face things head-on. He just doesn’t want Brook to have to run interference with Tracy. Then again, it might give her something to do to take her mind off her dad. Michael asks how Ned is doing, and Chase says, they were waiting for Dr. Ashford to wake him up from the induced coma. Brook brought Leo in to sit with him earlier. Michael says, tell Brook that he’s thinking about her, and Chase says, and send Willow his love. Michael says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he thinks Chase would be a great dad. Chase heads for the elevator.

Ned says, this is all a bit fuzzy, and TJ says, totally normal. Let’s start with this. What year is it? Ned says, 2023, and TJ asks where they are. Ned says, Port Charles, New York, and everyone gets all happy. TJ says, seems like you’re on your way to recovery, Ned. He gave them a scare though. Ned says, his name is not Ned. And he and I say it together… My name is Eddie Maine. The happiness gets sucked out of the room.

On Monday, Austin tells Ava, it might be time for a new nanny; Brook tells someone that they need to step up; Ned wonders what they’re talking about; and Nina tells Sonny, once you know, there’s no going back.

🎓 They Made It…

It’s matriculation time.

Soap Stars Celebrate the End of the School Year!

🏆 How To See Them…

You can still watch the Daytime Emmys even if you missed them tonight.

Daytime Emmys 2023: Everything You Need to Know

🥪 Magical Sandwiches…

Stassi gives us a tour of Something About Her.

https://pagesix.com/2023/06/13/stassi-schroeder-gives-look-inside-something-about-her-sandwich-shop/
VIDEO: Katie Maloney Takes Stassi Schroeder on Tour of Sandwich Shop, See New Pics and the “Magical” Something About Her

🍸 VanderHits Still Coming…

A million times hotter than Sandoval, who looks like a leftover beatnik from the 60s.

https://okmagazine.com/p/ariana-madix-new-boyfriend-daniel-wai-instagram-official-scandoval/

Again, when Jax is the voice of reason, we are living in Bizarro World.

https://okmagazine.com/p/jax-taylor-trolls-tom-sandoval-apart-inviting-brittany-cartwright-concert/

Eww.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/relationships/raquel-leviss-blasted-for-2013-post-about-making-your-ex-feel-uncomfortable-after-tom-sandoval-affair-not-much-has-changed/ar-AA1crJR1

At first I gave Schwartz credit.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1377111/where-tom-schwartz-stands-with-tom-sandoval-after-incredibly-messed-up-affair-with-raquel-leviss

And then I didn’t.

Tom Sandoval Addresses Ariana T-Shirt Comment Amid Backlash, Denies Body-Shaming Her, and Reacts to Claim Tom Schwartz is Done With Friendship, Plus When Raquel Will Leave Treatment

More about those not-so-secret revelations.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2023/06/14/vanderpump-rules-secrets-revealed-recap-tom-sandoval-raquel-leviss-lies-ariana-madix/70321716007/

Yeah, yeah. Hindsight is 20/20. I wouldn’t be so quick shame anyone for wanting a paycheck either. Still not loving Charli.

Charli Burnett: Why I Might Not Return to ‘Pump Rules’ After Scandoval

🍕 Just Another Juicy Joe…

I don’t believe for one second this guy’s on the up and up.

Margaret Josephs Thinks There’s Something ‘Strange’ About Luis Ruelas’ Finances
Teresa Giudice on Pizzagate: ‘I Was Doing What Luis Ruelas Told Me to Do’

This time she didn’t understand the question.

Andy Cohen Reveals PI Bo Dietl ‘Tracked Him Down’ & Shares His Text, Plus He Calls Part 3 of RHONJ Reunion “Upsetting” & “Shocking”

🎉 Juneteenth Is Bustin’ Out All Over…

Read all about it.

https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-juneteenth

Juneteenth.com

Home

🐖 Latest In Celebrity Fashion…

Pets never go out of style.

https://parade.com/celebrities/celebrity-pets-on-instagram

🐳 Quotes of the Week

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. – John Burroughs

Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. – Annette Funicello

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. – Ralph Waldo Emerson (Uh-oh.)

Happiness depends to some extent upon external conditions, but chiefly upon mental attitudes. – Paramahansa Yogananda

We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. – Steve Maraboli

Judge each day not by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant. — Robert Louis Stevenson

Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil

There’s a difference between undercooked and raw. – TomColicchio, Top Chef

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. – Elie Wiesel

📼 Made You a Mixtape…

If you still believe in weekends, do something outside of your usual routine. Then meet me on Sunday for a little Dead and/or on Monday for the usual soap and a lotta Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay using your time wisely, since there’s a limited supply, and stay believing new beginnings are always possible.

Jun14

June 13, 2023 – No Soap Again, Awful People Blabber Nonsense Part 3, Sonny’s Badger, Opening Up, First Kiss, Teasing, Speaking Out, Care For All, Sad News, She’s Single & Life

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Again, this happened.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Is Preempted Today

Please note: Fans will also want to double-check their DVR boxes for tomorrow because these kinds of interruptions play havoc with DVR scheduling. Many viewers find that following a preemption, their DVR won’t record the next episode.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey – The Reunion – Part 3

I’m off to a good start, calling Teresa an idiot during the review of last week. Bitch boy is on the way.😐 = incomprehensible.

The dudes join the fray, and Andy promises us the intense conclusion of the Reunion. They talk Botox until the countdown, and Andy welcomes our Jersey men. Paulie says he’s in awe of the Irish castle, and Andy congratulates Louie and  Teresa on the wedding. He asks Louie’s first reaction to Teresa’s hair, and Louie says, wow. Andy says, same. Joe #2 says his heart is hammering, and Andy says, that’s ironic, because that’s what his sister said. He talks about the men’s calendar, saying they have it at the Watch What Happens Live studio, and it’s Frank’s month. Joe #2 says, Frank as the Easter Bunny made his life, and we flash back to the women asking Paulie’s mom if she thought the calendar was hot, and her saying, no. Jumping right in, Andy says, they’ll start with the PJs, and Louie says, that came out wrong. When Teresa was emptying the house, he took an old pair of sweats out of a bag of clothes, and wore them one night; in an endearing good way. It sounded creepy, but that’s not what happened.😐 He says he tried connecting with Joe #2 because he knew what Teresa wanted, and she didn’t want this. Joe says he wants to believe Louie, but whenever he gives Louie the benefit of the doubt, he gets screwed. All he wanted was a family, and after Teresa got back from prison, they were on the best terms. She was humble and they talked every day. Teresa says, because they were filming, and confuses everyone, including me. I saw Teresa and Juicy Joe Go To Prison, and that wasn’t part of it. Teresa and Joe #2 get argumentative. Teresa whines about them not taking her out, and Joe says, she was single and going out like crazy. Melissa concurs, and Teresa tells her, STFU. She’s talking to her brother. Andy looks so exhausted, I literally lol. Melissa says, five minutes ago, Teresa said she never wanted to see them again, and now Joe’s her brother. Teresa says, they dragged her through the mud for ten years, once again confusing everyone, since she was the one on Melissa from day one. Andy finally says, they’re not getting anywhere, and to stop. Teresa says she wants to speak to her brother, not Melissa, and Andy says, they’ve established that. Teresa tells Andy to shut up, and calls Melissa a gaslighting bitch. Alrighty then.

Andy suggests they talk about something else, and after some small talk about the toddler in Marge’s house and John being hazed, we take a look at the Real Househusbands of New Jersey. We go down Jersey Dude Memory Lane, proving once again that the guys are the ones who should have a show. Andy asks, who’s best at holding their booze? and Joe #2 says he is, but John begs to differ. A viewer says, Frank seems to be having a hard time letting Dolores go, and Frank stresses that there’s nothing beyond friendship and family. Dolores is one of his best friends, and their family dynamic isn’t orthodox. Andy says, speaking of unorthodox, is Frank still living with David? Frank says, he and Brittany just got their own house, and he and Paulie are in a great place. Paulie agrees 100%. A viewer asks if Bill feels guilty about ignoring his family, but Bill says, he’s missed games, but because of work, not because he was in the pool house. Jennifer says, he’s not always there; that’s just how it feels. Andy says, Bill looked miserable, but Bill says he’s not. He works hard to make his wife happy, and certain things had been ignored, but not on purpose. Things have improved. Andy asks when Paulie is going to make an honest woman of Dolores, and Paulie says, Dolores wants to take her time. Andy suggests he get a divorce first, and Paulie says, it’s in the works. Andy asks how Paulie’s relationship with his ex is, and he says, Dolores is the first woman he brought around his kids, and he’s been separated 14 years. It was a gear shift like with Frank, and Dolores is also on the TV box, but his ex is understanding. A viewer asks, what happened when Frankie was working with Louie? and Dolores says, he got another job, but we flash back to Frank telling Joe #2, the business seems closed, and Louie’s not returning his calls. Dolores says, Louie gave her son a job, and she’s grateful for that. She doesn’t know what the rumor is, and doesn’t want to talk about Frankie. Joe #2 says he’s known Frankie his whole life, and Frankie told him things. Teresa says, he’s lying, and Dolores tells Joe #2, it ends right here. She doesn’t have a problem with him, and doesn’t want one. Andy asks why she’s upset, and she says she doesn’t want to talk about her son. He has a good job, and that’s all that happened. Andy says, that begs more questions, and I wonder if Dolores is afraid of Louie. John asks, how come Louie brought his kid’s mother into this? Bo Dietl’s friends were subcontracted to investigate him. Louis says, Bo is a good friend, but he didn’t have John investigated. John says, you can’t just contact someone in prison, and the number used was traced back to Bo’s people. Andy reminds Louie how he threw Bo Dietl’s name around in the finale, and said he had information on all of them. Louie says, he was misstating in anger.😐We flash back to that, and Rachel says, she and Melissa went out to lunch, and Bo was sitting at a table next to them. She wonders what the odds are of that, and I wonder if Bo could actually stink that much at being a P.I. John tells Louie to stop the bullsh*t. He sees through both of them. Teresa says she’s all about the proof, and Melissa asks if Louie is saying he didn’t hire Bo Dietl, who’s getting a lot of free publicity tonight. Louie says he did not; he was just angry. Andy says, production just called from downstairs, and asks Louie if a security person he hired is here. Louie says he didn’t hire him. Bo sent him. This guy… I don’t even know what to say. Do they watch this stuff back? He doesn’t just look like a liar; he looks like a liar confused by his own lies. He also looks batsh*t crazy sometimes. Like scary crazy.

Louie says, they’ve gotten death threats, and John applauds Louie’s acting skills. Louie says, Bo is working on a case; someone is harassing him. Since she hasn’t drug Marge into it for a minute, Teresa says, Marge has been talking to the person harassing them, and putting out false information. Louie tells Marge, let’s play, because he thinks he’s in some spy movie or maybe Batman, and Marge says she has no idea what they’re talking about. Louie is under criminal investigation. Louie says, she’s lying, and Marge says, Louie called her child, and they have the phone records. She shows Andy, who shows Louie, who admits it’s his cell number. Frank asks if Louie hired Bo to create a slander campaign against him and Joe #2, and Louie says, that’s nothing that would benefit him. Melissa says, bad tweets and bad publicity; that’s why they see so much hate. Louie says, be careful. Their day is coming. Once more reverting to his Bond villain persona. Joe #2 says, the people Louie hires tell them everything, and Andy says, a viewer writes that it sounded like Louie ghosted Joe #2 over the pizza business. Louie says, Joe approached him, and met with Louie’s nephew, who gave Joe money for the ovens. There’s an undercurrent of Teresa and Melissa trading insults, and Teresa says, Melissa is embarrassing. Melissa says, no, you, and Andy says, they’re both embarrassing. Louie says he called Joe and asked if he wanted to take 5 or 10%. Everything was for Teresa, and in her name. Then Joe got upset. Joe says he figured they’d put in half a million to start, and when he asked what was going on, Louie said he was busy. He stole Joe’s idea. Andy asks what John’s reaction is, and John says, if it was Joe’s idea, they should have drawn up a document. Teresa starts nattering on about how she told them to do that, and Andy finally screams at her to let them talk. She’s been doing this all day. She finally shuts up, and Andy asks about Louie and Dina’s husband having a falling out over business. We flash back to Joe #2 talking about Pizzagate, Part 2, and Louie says, Joe is lying and Dina’s husband called him out. Joe calls Louie a woman abuser, which sounds out of context, but to be honest, they’re all talking at once and over each other, so I’m not sure I didn’t miss something. Louie says, Joe is a bully, and he’s going to meet his match. Joe says, Louie will say something nice, then says, in due time… Louie says, Joe will regret this, and Joe says he regrets it every day. He’s done. Okay, I still don’t get Pizzagate Part 1 or 2, especially not 2.

Andy says he wants Joe #2’s reaction. Teresa said Jacqueline told her that he and Melissa were hanging out with Juicy Joe’s former partner who ratted them out. Teresa now believes Joe and Melissa are responsible for her going to jail. Frank asks if Joe waives attorney/client privilege, and Joe agrees. Frank says he was Joe’s attorney at the time, and they were contacted by the FBI. They were asked to come to Paterson to talk. Teresa says she knows Joe #2 would never try to hurt her… and Frank says, Joe #2 never showed up. Teresa says, it was Juicy Joe’s partner, and says something in Italian. Joe says, she broke his heart, and Teresa says, they were talking to Juicy Joe’s partner. Marge asks why Teresa believes every bad rumor, and Teresa says, Jacqueline has no reason to lie. Andy says, her standing up for Jacqueline is the joke of the century, since she’s been talking sh*t about Jacqueline for 10 years. Teresa insists she has not, we flash back, and yes, she has. Hoping to divert from the proof, Teresa says, she’s been through this for 10 years; it’s disgraceful. Louie says, it’s just a matter of time, twirling his moustache, and Joe #2 asks if Louie is threatening him. There’s something about a video, but again, it’s such a noisy mess, I miss it, and Teresa says, there’s stuff in Joe #2’s past. Andy suggests they do something old fashioned and pretend he’s the host. He asks is Joe regrets not going to the wedding, but Joe says, no, and somehow the pizza thing gets brought up again. Andy tells Teresa to stop talking, and Joe says, they were saying his wife was cheating on him. Louie says, they never believed it. He just told Joe so he could get ahead of it. Andy asks why they didn’t invite Melissa, and Louie says, he just called Joe; it’s his fault. He didn’t want what happened to him to happen to Joe. Joe says, Louie told him that it was with multiple men, but Louie says, no, he didn’t. Andy asks if Teresa said Joe could do better, but Joe says, that was Gia. She called him. Teresa says, she’ll call Gia right now at Coachella, and does. Andy takes the phone, and asks if she told her uncle that he can do better than Melissa, and Gia says, she called regarding the wedding. She asked him to do the right thing; mom wanted him to walk her down the aisle. She never said he could do better than her Aunt Melissa. It’s sad. Joe asks if she’s calling him a liar, and Andy tells her to have a blast. Be careful, and don’t take anything someone gives her. Be smart. Obviously he’s been there and done that. Melissa asks why Joe would make it up, and Teresa says, because he’s married to Melissa. Teresa says she was always good to him and put him first. He was her best friend. She starts crying, and says, this is disgraceful. She can’t. She gets up, and as she leaves, she says, mommy and daddy. He should be ashamed. She yells, and don’t come following me! but it’s unclear if she means Joe or the camera.

Melissa says, Teresa’s embarrassed, and we hear her ranting backstage, saying, he lies about her daughter. She doesn’t want to make up. She wants it over. Still onstage, Joe #2 says, she’ll never give up what’s in her brain. Gia calls Teresa and tells her not to cry. Louie has jetted back there too, because Teresa can’t utter a word without him butting in. Frank says, he’s never seen it this bad. It’s not like with Juicy Joe. Melissa says, they never suffered a P.I., and Jennifer insists Louie never hired one. John says, it’s not hearsay, and Melissa says she thinks there’s so much out there on Louie, he wants a folder on everyone else. And Teresa doesn’t want it to come out. Andy goes to see Teresa, and she says she didn’t know Gia called Joe to beg him to come to the wedding. Louie says, Gia might have told him that he could do better for her mom, and Teresa says, not to leave Melissa. Andy says, they can’t keep relitigating this. They have to go out and finish. Teresa says, there are a lot of accusations, and Louie says, they have to build their narrative. Andy apologizes for yelling at Teresa, although I don’t know why. I don’t know how he doesn’t smack her one, or knock her and Melissa’s heads together. Onstage, Dolores says, nobody put their two cents in. Let it be.

Returning to his seat, Andy says, obviously, they’re not resolving anything, but he wants to see if there’s anything else Teresa and Joe want to say before he sends the husbands away. Joe says, Teresa told him that she’s heartbroken, and she says it in Italian again. He says he’ll never say never. She’s his only sister, and he’s not happy with her. He’s upset with her, but he’ll always love her. If she was in an accident tomorrow, he’d run to be by her side. If she was sick, he’d pick her up… She says, no, and Joe says, this is why it will never be with her. She says, it’s like their parents said, honor me while I’m alive, not when I’m dead. Joe says, he and Louie have their differences, and he thinks the best thing to do is to forget about each other. Let Louie do his thing, and leave them alone. Since he’s recharging for his next spiral, Louie shakes hands with Joe. As they leave, Frank says, they’ve wasted way too much energy on this. They’re too old for this. Andy says, it’s a bittersweet time to say goodbye to the husbands, and tells us, we’ll be right back. Louie goes over to John and says, he’s sorry. John’s a good father. John says, then be a friend and admit to what he knows he did, but Louie says he can’t. John says, if he’s going to apologize, own it, when Joe comes over to them, and they all leave the stage area.

Andy says, their final moments are rather somber, and asks Dolores what she’s feeling. Dolores says, nothing got resolved, and she thinks it’s time to part ways. It’s toxic for both of them, and both of them are hurt. Time apart is good. Andy wonders if watching it back spoke to Danielle, since she’s seeing her brother tomorrow. Danielle says she doesn’t know how he’ll react, and she’s afraid. She doesn’t want any toxic fighting. Andy asks if Marge is putting her arsenal behind her, and Jennifer says she’s sick of hearing arsenal. Suddenly struck by the wand of the Wisdom Fairy, she says, at the end of the day, it’s about them being friends. She felt it in Ireland. They had a great time having fun. They’re going to make mistakes; sh*t happens. They need to find a way to put on their big girl panties.😐Dolores says, there’s only one way, and that’s to leave everything behind. Jennifer says, Marge is right, 😐causing me to nearly faint. Unless you forget, you can’t truly forgive. Andy asks if Jennifer and Marge are going to bury the hatchet, and Marge says she’s in a different place in life. She doesn’t want insanity; no negative energy. Danielle agrees, and Andy asks if Rachel has decided to forget the nonsense with her and Danielle, and if they can come together. Rachel says she’s happy to move forward. They have more in common than not, and she’d like to form a new friendship. Danielle says she would too, and Andy says, last, but not least, Melissa and Teresa were more open with their real feelings, yet managed to coexist in a weird way. Teresa says she was getting married, and wanted peace. She tried everything, but Melissa kept denying her. Andy asks where she is now, and she says she just wants peace and to close the door. Melissa says she feels the hate. She could never please Teresa. Whatever she did was wrong. She loves Teresa, no matter what Teresa thinks, and worries about her. She’s just going to go with the flow; whatever the family decides to do.

Andy says, it’s been a tough season, from the highest high, Teresa’s hair; to the lowest low. He thanks them for allowing us into part of their life. They’re going to toast with Irish whiskey and pizza. Surprisingly, when the pizza is brought out (looks like NYC pizza, so I assume they filmed there), several of the ladies chow down.😐I guess it is a pretty long day. Andy asks Dolores to give the toast, and she says; Here’s to cheating, stealing, fighting and drinking. If you cheat, may you cheat death; If you steal, may you steal someone’s heart; If you fight, may you fight for a brother; If you drink, may you drink with me.

Andy says, it’s been a wild ride.

🦫 It’s Official…

I’m ashamed to say, I never even noticed this.

Maurice Benard Reveals the Name of the Badger in Sonny’s Office on GH!

🏥 His Real Life Backstory…

Very cool how he had a bit part on GH way back when.

Gavin Houston Opens up About His Return to GENERAL HOSPITAL

👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Sprina Locks Lips…

And you thought a kiss was just a kiss.

Tabyana Ali and Nicholas Chavez Reveal the Secrets Behind Sprina’s First Kiss on GH!

🏃🏼‍♂️ Willey’s Crossing…

There’s quite a few AMC alum on GH now.

Walt Willey Teases His GH Crossover!

🌈 Pride For All…

Now if she could just get a storyline.

GH’s Cassandra James Speaks Out During LA Pride

🩺 Sharing Is Caring…

For those in the LGBTQ+ community in need of healthcare.

OutCare OutList

🥀 Gone Too Soon…

Hair is one of my favorite movie musicals, and despite its sad ending, it’s often chased my blues away. I also had the good fortune to see him play Buddy in my all-time favorite musical, Follies, on Broadway. He was an absolute joy to watch.

https://people.com/treat-williams-dead-at-71-7511398

🐻‍❄️ She’s the Only One…

Awesome!

https://people.com/white-panda-captured-on-video-in-china-7508366

🤹🏽‍♀️ Giving the Old Razzle Dazzle…

Hopefully, we’re back to soap tomorrow, along with some awful Secrets Revealed. Although I doubt there will be anything new. I hope not anyway. Until then, stay safe, stay looking both ways, even when in the crosswalk – as my father would say, you’ll be the only one with the right of way in the hospital – and stay keeping in mind, unless you forget, you can’t truly forgive.

Jun10

June 9, 2023 – No Soap For You, 2 Mollys, Jersey Mess, Vandermath, VanderNew, Sink It, Dead Dates, A Farewell, Star Releases, Sharks, Cuteness, Double 4 Quotes & Love

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Well there was this:

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-preempted-nationally-today-june-9-2023

So I did this:

💼 Ups and Downs…

She’s doing a good job so far. She’s not straying too far from the already established character.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kate-mansi-opens-up-about-taking-over-as-kristina-on-gh

She’s lucky she didn’t kill someone.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-haley-pullos-faces-lawsuit-over-dui-crash

👠 Jersey Devils…

They still don’t totally explain it. So like, what happened the next time Frankie and Louie spoke? Or haven’t they?

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/frank-catania-shares-why-frankie-stopped-working-for-luis-ruelas

Where they are now.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhonj-season-13-finale-recap-cast-updates

This one doesn’t live in the real world with the rest of us. I don’t blame Andy for losing his sh*t. It was like, STFU already.

RHONJ’s Jennifer Aydin Shades Andy Cohen for Being “Rude” to Her and Blasts Troll Who Accuses Her of ‘Deflecting’

About that text.

RHONJ: Melissa Gorga Leaks Text From Jacqueline Laurita That Blasts Teresa Giudice & Pokes Fun at Her Appearance, See the Shocking Message Plus When It Was Sent

And the rest.

Joe Giudice Addresses the Gorgas’ Alleged Involvement in FBI Case, Blames RHONJ for Deportation, & Gives Update on Relationship With Rosie, Kathy and Richie

🍸 Trying To Recover…

I don’t think there is a future for her on the show. At least, I hope not.

Raquel Leviss Addresses Future on Vanderpump Rules After Death Threats Over Affair With Tom Sandoval as Karlee Hale Breaks Silence Amid Tom Dating Rumors

I guess, but I can’t imagine she didn’t want to smack Rachel’s bobblehead face. I thought she was restrained.

https://people.com/lala-kent-regrets-attacking-raquel-leviss-at-vanderpump-rules-reunion-7510310

Giving you more Lala.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/raquels-big-secret-on-vanderpump-rules-reunion-lala-reacts

She’ll be fine. She dodged a narcissistic bullet.

https://extratv.com/2023/06/08/ariana-madix-reveals-plans-for-the-future-and-thoughts-on-marriage-after-scandoval/

She was so funny on WWHL.

Amy Schumer Doesn’t Have ‘Raquel Rage’ but Bashes ‘Narcissist’ Tom Sandoval

🎁 Just What We Need…

I still want more episodes of Overserved, but I’ll take what I can get. After I take a million showers to get the smell of the Reunion off.

Lisa Vanderpump Lands a New Spinoff Show Called “Vanderpump Villa” on Hulu! Get the Details, Plus Vanderpump Rules is Renewed for Season 11

⛵️ Aye, Aye, Captain…

She’s right. That boat needs to die. I’m sure Glenn and Colin are having a grand old time holding it together with duct tape and bubble gum, but it almost tanked the season.

‘Parsifal Needs To Die At The Bottom Of The Ocean’ Daisy Kelliher Calls For Yacht’s Retirement

⚰️ Moving Dead…

Updates on both Dead City’s premiere and Fear the Walking Dead’s mid-season finale.

https://undeadwalking.com/2023/05/30/walking-dead-city-updated-premiere-timing-amc/

https://screenrant.com/fear-the-walking-dead-season-8-episode-6-airtime-change/

🥀 She’ll Be Missed…

I love this show, and was so sad to hear this.

https://people.com/bling-empire-anna-shay-dead-7508300

👽 When the Force Will Be With You…

Updates on Star Wars releases.

https://ew.com/movies/star-wars-movie-tv-show-release-dates/

🦈 Doo-Doo Doo-Doo-Doo-Doo…

Cue the music.

https://people.com/sharkfest-2023-how-to-watch-sharkfest-7509679

🦙 Take a Deep Breath…

Some relief from all the nasty, awful reality this week.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/cute-animals

☄️ Quotes of the Week

Some people think only intellect counts: knowing how to solve problems, knowing how to get by, knowing how to identify an advantage and seize it. But the functions of intellect are insufficient without courage, love, friendship, compassion and empathy. – Dean Koontz

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.  — John Powell

The border to eternity is never ahead of us. It runs parallel to life and can be crossed over at any moment by old and young. – Reinhard Bonnke

A mathematical formula for happiness: Reality divided by Expectations. There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality or lower your expectations. – Jodi Picoult (I vote for lowering expectations.)

Even while we kill and punish we must try to feel about the enemy as we feel about ourselves—to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he may, in this world or another, be cured: in fact, to wish his good. That is what is meant in the Bible by loving him: wishing his good, not feeling fond of him nor saying he is nice when he is not. – C.S. Lewis, from Mere Christianity

I can tell you, without diversity, creativity remains stagnant. – Edward Enninful

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. – Plato

That wasn’t karaoke. It was you, a jukebox, and a bar full of angry people. – Mike Biggs (Billy Gardell), Mike & Molly

🕺🏽 Curly Shuffling Away…

Tune in for a chance of Fear on Sunday, and on Monday really Tuesday for soap and double the Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay respecting your elders no matter how old you are, and stay making sure that when you’re singing karaoke, you’re really at karaoke.

Jun9

June 8, 2023 – A Slip and Fall At the Pool, Incoming, His First, Remembrance, Striking, In Jersey, Reunited, No Return, All Star Chef, My VanderTake, Rocky & Walk

Posted on by
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Walk I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Anna arrives home to find Sonny at her door. He says he was going to give it another ten minutes, then leave a note. She asks why he didn’t text her, and he tells her, some things are better said face to face.

Dante lets Valentin into the interrogation room through the side door, and he asks why Dante wanted to see him. Dante says he needs Valentin’s help with Anna.

Michael brings Carly to the stairwell, and says, they can talk more privately here. She asks if this is where he brought Dex when he asked Dex to spy on Sonny, and he says, sometimes. Why? She says, because she wants his opinion on Dex. Is he trustworthy? Would Michael put the life of someone he loves in Dex’s hands?

Josslyn puts the pieces of the flashdrive in Dex’s palm, and says, there goes their ticket out. Pretty useless now. He asks if it’s the footage of Sonny doing the Pikeman deal, and she says, mm-hm. Michael gave it to her mom. She could have traded this footage to the Feds in exchange for them dropping the charges against her and Drew. Dex risked his life to get that footage, and Carly destroyed it, because protecting Sonny is more important to her.

As they sit down at the MetroCourt restaurant, Chase tells Brook, just say it. She hates it, doesn’t she? She says, what’s to hate? He wanted the new car; he got the one he wanted. How could she possibly hate that? He says, it’s not a car; it’s a truck. It’s got 4-wheel drive, off roading capabilities, advanced driver assistance, and you can operate the off roading capabilities in operating mode or manual. It will be perfect for them to go camping. She says, he wants them to go camping?

Tracy meets Drew at the pool, and she asks why he wanted to meet away from the house. He says, blackmail works so much better when there’s no one to overhear.

Ned comes out on the terrace, and tells Nina, poor Drew. Wrong place, wrong time, wrong girlfriend. She wasn’t after Aurora’s CEO; she wanted to take down Carly. She says she doesn’t know where he came up with this, but he couldn’t be more wrong, and he says he just overheard her conversation with her lawyer. Everyone believes he was the one who handed Carly and Drew over to the SEC, but it was her all along.

Michael asks where Carly is going with this. Has she changed her mind and decided to give the flashdrive to the FBI so she and Drew stay out of prison? Does she think Dex may have to testify because he’s on the footage? She says, the footage no longer exists; she smashed the flashdrive. He asks why she did that. She should have held onto it in case she still wanted a way out for her and Drew. She says, the footage was dangerous. It could have gotten Sonny and Dex killed. Besides, she has a much better use for Dex.

Dex puts the flashdrive pieces in his pocket, and Josslyn asks if he’s sure he wants to hold on to that. There’s no way to retrieve the footage. He says he doesn’t want to retrieve the footage; he wants to physically destroy the flashdrive. He doesn’t want anything left to imply he was ever collecting evidence against Sonny. From here on in, he has to be the most loyal, discreet, trustworthy employee Sonny has. She says, take his orders, risk his life so Sonny can get richer… and he’s okay with that? He says, it’s not about being okay; it’s about survival.

Chase says, Brook doesn’t enjoy camping? Sleeping close to nature and catching a fish in the stream, then cooking it over an open fire? She says, no. She likes sleeping in a bed, and she likes her fish to be caught and prepared by someone else, preferably a five-star chef. He says, what about fresh air, hiking, everything you need in a backpack? and she says, are they hiking, or running from the bear who’s trying to eat them?  He says, what about cuddling up next to each other in front of a roaring campfire? and she says, what about cuddling up next to each other in front of a firepit in the Q boathouse? He says he could totally see that. Her, him, a fire, Olivia bringing them lasagna, Ned going on about his beloved ELQ, and Tracy lecturing him yet again about how he’s not good enough for her. She says, the Q’s date might not be the most romantic, but there are alternatives, and he says, such as? She says, nightclubs, live music. He might even be tempted to get back in the game. He says his heart is very much out of the music biz, but it seems like hers is still in it. Tell him again why she went back to work at Deception.

Tracy says, so much for Drew’s upright and honorable routine, and he says he really didn’t want it to come to this, but a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do. Tracy understands the language of blackmail. She says she understands more about the process than he does apparently. Blackmail requires leverage, and he has none to use against her. He says, let’s start with Deception, shall we? She coerced Brook into going back to work there. She says, where Brook chooses to work is her business, and he says, his point exactly. If it were up to Brook, she’d be working in music. She’s working at Deception under Tracy’s orders, and he kind of feels Lucy Coe would like to hear that. She says, fine. Get Lucy Coe down here; tell her everything. A waiter asks if they’re looking for Lucy Coe.

Dante asks if Valentin thought he was getting arrested, and Valentin says, given their history, he couldn’t be sure. Falsifying his death… Dante says he’s sure Valentin had reasons for doing that, and Valentin says, so did Anna. He asks if this is an official inquiry, but Dante says, it’s off the record, and personal. That article in The Sun that was about Anna’s WSB file was pretty brutal. Valentin asks how Dante is hoping he can help, and Dante says, Valentin is Victor’s son, and Victor was head of the WSB for many years. He had a lot of opportunity to plant a lie in Anna’s file that could be used as a time bomb he could set off whenever he wanted to. Valentin says, his father was a mean and spiteful man. He had full faith in his plan, but he was prepared to exact revenge in case of his failure, in which he thought Anna Devane could always play a part. He was right, and now he’s making her pay for it. Dante says he wants to clear Anna’s name. So how do they prove her file was doctored?

Nina says she was curious about Carly and Drew’s legal situation, so she asked her lawyer about it. Ned must have misinterpreted. Ned says, it’s too late to save this. As soon as you eliminate him, she becomes the obvious suspect; the one that has the most to gain by sending Carly off to prison. Although she took a big risk, and maybe she’s realized that by now, and that’s the reason she called a meeting with her lawyer. She must have realized that, even though Sonny and Carly are divorced, Sonny would do anything to protect her. When he finds out Nina was the one who pointed the SEC at Carly, she and Sonny are done.

Anna asks if Sonny wants to come inside, but he says, it’s up to her. He doesn’t want to intrude. She tells him, she has the feeling that whatever he was about to say, she doesn’t want to hear it on the doorstep. They go inside, and she asks if he’d like some water, but he says, no thanks. She says she’s going to have a drink, and he says, go ahead. She pours herself something, and takes a sip. She says, go ahead, call her a hypocrite, and he asks if that’s why she thinks he came here. She says, obviously. After all the years she spent upholding the law as a special agent and Police Commissioner, investigating him for various crimes, questioning him about how he could possibly reconcile breaking the law with being a loving parent, and now he gets to find out that she was a criminal herself? Actually, worse than that. A double agent, which is to say, a traitor. He asks if she’s finished, because he wasn’t going to say any of that, and she asks what he was going to say. He says, she’s upset. He’ll come back some other time. She says, please wait. She’s sorry. Not at her best. Please stay.

Michael asks what better use Carly has for Dex, and she says, before she tells him, what’s his assessment of Dex? He says he guesses he likes Dex. He took on an impossible job and did it really well. He’s had relentless pressure for months and didn’t crack. He wormed his way into Sonny’s confidence, despite being with Josslyn, which Sonny didn’t like. She asks what he knows about Dex’s time in the military, and he says he knows Dex was discharged because of some personal issue, but his combat experience is excellent; highest rating. He had the reputation of keeping a cool head under fire, which is one of the reasons Michael hired him. Why is she interested? She says, because she wants him to hire Dex to do another job.

Josslyn asks why Dex isn’t angrier. Why isn’t he angry period? Both her mother and brother have the chance to set him free, yet they’re leaving him trapped. He says, Michael gave him a job; the job changed. It happens. She says, so he’s totally fine working for Sonny, but he says, it’s not about what’s fine. It’s the situation he’s in. He spent months earning Sonny’s trust, convincing Sonny to let him in. Just tonight, Sonny gave him a lecture on how he’s in this now; how he has to commit. He doesn’t have the option to leave. She says, actually, he might. He can just ask Sonny to let him go.

Tracy asks if the waiter always eavesdrops on private conversations, but he says he wasn’t eavesdropping. He was just doing his job. They’re about to resume poolside cocktail service. Tracy says, well don’t. She wants privacy. That means, no bartender, no guests, no staff, including himself; just her and Mr. Cain. And if anyone has any questions about that, they can contact Olivia Quartermaine, her daughter-in-law, the co-owner of this place. The waiter leaves, and Drew says, that was rude. And pointless. Chewing out a hotel employee just to make herself feel better. It’s not going to keep Brook in place at Deception. She suggests he focus on his own problems. He seems to have enough of them. He says, as it happens, she’s the answer to his problems.

Brook tells Chase, they’ve been over this. She went back to Deception because she really loves those ladies, and they really need her. He says, really? They seem like pretty savvy businesswomen. She says, they are, but they don’t really understand the nuances of social media presence, and he says, and the music? She says she’ll still be doing music on a part-time basis, and he says, music is her passion. It’s one of the first things he learned about her. What happened to change that? She says she found a new passion, and he says, Deception? She says, him, when Olivia stops by. Brook asks her to join them, but she says she thinks Ned is waiting for her on the terrace. Brook says her dad is probably on some phone calls. Please sit down. Chase can tell her about his new truck. Oliva says, a new truck? and sits down. Tell her all about it.

Ned says, in the long run, Nina’s done herself a favor. She’s much better off without Sonny Corinthos. Nina says she and Sonny are engaged, but he says, not for long. She says, gee, most people say congratulations, and he tells her, just accept the fact that she and Sonny won’t be living happily ever after. She says, that tip was anonymous. There’s no way anyone will be able to prove he did it. He says he didn’t; she did. She says, no one’s going to have to know who’s responsible for this. Just keep doing what he’s doing, insisting he didn’t do anything. The people who know him, the people who really matter will believe him… eventually. He says he has no intention of taking the fall for her. She did this, and she’d better find a way to clean it up. Nina sees Trish and shushes him. Trish tells Nina, the pool man just told her that Tracy Quartermaine shut down the entire pool area because she wanted privacy, and Nina says, for what? Trish says she doesn’t know, but apparently Drew Cain is there. Trish leaves, and Ned says, Drew’s here. He needs to talk to him. Ned dashes off, and Nina runs after him.

Dante is looking at the article about Anna, when there’s a knock at the door. He says, come in, and Sam walks in. He asks how she got in here, and she says, her boyfriend’s a cop and the desk sergeant breaks the rules for her occasionally. They kiss, and Dante says, he doesn’t blame him. He would’ve done the same thing. She says, lucky her, and he asks why she is here. Was he supposed to do something or be somewhere? She says, he was supposed to be home two hours ago, and he says he’s sorry. She says she figured he was working on a case, but he’s just sitting here and she got no text or call. She wants to know what’s going on. He says he’s just worried about a friend.

Sonny says, when the news story broke about Anna, he started thinking about all the headlines he’s been through over the years. She says, they don’t seem like headlines now; they seem like take downs. He says, two were seared in his memory. Wife of Crime Lord Dies in a Car Bomb. He saw the headline the next morning, after his wife died. And the other one was, Corinthos Son Killed in a Suspected Mob Hit. That was Morgan. He was already in hell from all the pain and grief. It was a lot to take. His private life all over the world for everybody to see, for everybody to read, for everybody to judge. (Yet no one knew who he was in Nixon Falls. Go figure.) They don’t know what happened to him. They don’t know how he suffered. Just like he doesn’t know why she did what she did. That’s why he’s here to tell her that he’s sorry for how she fell. He’s sorry for what happened to her. She thanks him for sharing that, and says she feels like sometimes she gets in her own way. He says, that headline was just a take down. She knows that, right? She says, the most difficult part of this is, the news story is true. It’s factually accurate; she did those things. There were reasons. There were justifications, excuses. There was a context then that the media has chosen to leave out, but she can’t deny it happened. She tears up, and says she made a lot of mistakes at the beginning of her career, and thinks she’s spent most of her life trying to make up for them. Now it’s come and bit her in the most public way. He says he’s done things allegedly – they both laugh – but he’s done them. Some, he felt there was a reason to do them, and others he regrets. But he always tells himself, his life, who he is now, should not be limited to the worst things he’s done in his life. Just like her. She’s a great mother, a great grandma. She’s courageous and brilliant, and no matter what, he’ll always consider her his friend… whatever that’s worth. She says, it’s worth a lot.

Michael tells Carly, the peace between him and Sonny right now is pretty fragile. He’s going to be suspicious if Michael hires Dex out from under him. She says she wants him to pay Dex to keep working for Sonny. Since Jason died, Sonny doesn’t have someone to be his right hand. Michael says, what about Brick? and she says, Brick’s great, but he’s based on the west coast. He can’t be by Sonny’s side day in and day out, but Dex can, and given Michael’s description, he’s obviously qualified. Michael says, in what way specifically? and she says she wants Dex to use all of his skills to protect Sonny; to follow orders. And if he sees trouble coming, he needs to tell Michael, and Michael needs to tell him how to advise Sonny.

Josslyn says, when she met with Sonny in his office that day and asked him to fire Dex, he told her that Dex would have to go in himself and ask him. But he never said anything about refusing to let Dex quit. Everybody knows they’re together now. Everybody’s seen them. Sonny can’t just disappear him and nobody will ask questions. Sonny already knows she doesn’t want Dex working for him. It makes perfect sense for him to quit. She’s not saying it will be easy, but it can be done. Dex just has to meet with Sonny, and tell him respectfully that he wants out. Dex says he doesn’t want out.

Drew tells Tracy, Ned’s got connections at the SEC. He can make this investigation into him and Carly go away. She says, and he thinks he can force Ned into getting the SEC to back off, and he says, no, but he thinks she can. She laughs and says, she loves his sense of humor, and his imaginative fantasy world, but he says, no fantasy here. She either persuades Ned, or he tells Ned the truth that she dragged Brook into potential intellectual property theft, malfeasance, and corporate espionage. These are activities that carry the potential for criminal penalties. So how is her son going to react when he finds out she put her granddaughter at risk? Ned comes running in, and says, there’s something he has to tell Drew… He trips on a pile of towels, and falls into the pool, hitting his head on the side. He floats face down, and Nina stops short in the hallway, where she can see, but not be seen.

Anna sits on the steps going upstairs, when Valentin walks in. She says, he needs to not do that, and he asks why she’s not taking his calls. She says she doesn’t want to. She’d like to smash her phone actually. She’d like to put the SIM card down the waste disposal. He asks if he can join her, and sits next to her. He says he’s sorry. He’s sorry his father has done this to her. She says she hates Victor. She hated him when he was alive, and loathes him now that he’s dead. If there’s a hell, she hopes he burns there for all eternity. Valentin says, him too, and Anna says, Victor didn’t do this to her. She did it to herself.

Sam asks who Dante’s friend is, and what made them keep Dante here. He asks if she knows that hit piece about Anna in The Sun, about her being a double agent, and she says, yeah. He says, it’s true, and Sam says she just assumed it was a lie. He says, so did he, so he called Valentin over here to help him exonerate her. She says, Valentin loves Anna. Of course (🍷) he’d want to help her. Dante tells her, there were some things Valentin said about the classified information, and about how ugly it is when it sees the light of day, which is why it’s classified. Valentin said he should know, because after some of the things Dante did for the WSB, the last thing he would want is for it to be plastered on the front page of anything. He just feels bad for Anna. He doesn’t know how she’s going to build back her life again. Sam says, it’s possible. After all, he did.   

Josslyn says, Dex wants to work for Sonny? and he says he wants to work in Port Charles. Mostly for her, but he likes it here. He gravitates to the moss bowl🎍, because he likes that too, and he says he likes a lot of the people he’s met here. It’s starting to feel like home. He hasn’t had one of those since he was a kid. She says, sometimes she forgets how different their lives have been. There are so many things she takes for granted; some things Dex never had. He says, one of the advantages of not having things is that when you get them, you value them and don’t want to let them go. He likes what he has here. He wants to stay. She says, he doesn’t have to work for Sonny to stay, but he says he can’t think of anything he’d rather do.

Michael says, let him get this straight. Carly wants him to be Sonny’s guardian angel while Dex does all the legwork. She says, yes, and he says, so instead of sending Sonny to prison, she wants him and Dex to work together to keep him out of Pentenville. Keep him safe, monitor his business ventures, keep a level head, and counsel. She nods, and he says, so everything Jason used to do, he and Dex will be doing together. She says, yes, except there’s one obvious catch. Sonny can never know.

Drew turns Ned over, and Tracy asks if he’s breathing. Nina scrambles for her phone to film it for social media, and Tracy runs for her bag. Drew tells Ned, they’ve got this, and gets Ned out of the pool and onto the floor. Nina pockets her phone, as Tracy says, her adult son just fell into the MetroCourt pool and he hit his head and he’s not breathing. On opposite sides of the room, Tracy and Nina both look distraught, and Drew begins chest compression.

Anna says, Valentin knew she was a double agent, right? and he says, and she knows espionage is a shadowy thing. It’s all compromise, neither good nor bad; just varying shades of grey. And no one can claim being entirely pure of intentions, certainly not him. Not even Robert Scorpio. She says she’s not afraid to face Robert. He knew everything; found out years ago. And Robin was aware. Maybe not all the gory details, but she knew enough. He says, so who is it she’s worried about? and she says she thinks the people it’s going to affect the most, the people who are going to look at her differently, are Emma and Noah.

Michael says, what he doesn’t get is that Carly, Drew, or both could be sent to federal prison, yet her priority is to protect Sonny? Apparently, he wasn’t listening to the last speech she gave him on why Sonny can’t go to prison. She says, her problems with the SEC are for her and Drew to figure out. When she showed him that flashdrive, it proved how vulnerable his father is. Pikeman is a defense contractor, right? He says, enemies against the government, and potential enemies in the government (or something to that effect), and she says, a challenge his father has never dealt with before. When he showed her that footage of Sonny taking that delivery, it was evidence he violated national security. If Michael hadn’t changed his mind, his father would be in prison right now. Donna and Avery’s lives would be destroyed, and their lives would be in danger. She needs him to step up and protect his father. He says, what if he’s willing, but Dex isn’t?

Dex tells Josslyn, he has a high school diploma, no college courses, no interest in taking any. What kind of job can he get? Security? Doorman at the MetroCourt? She says, he was in security before, and there’s noting wrong with making a good, honest living, but he says he’s not as noble as she thinks he is. Sonny pays a helluva lot more than her honest living, and he’s good at it. Sonny is paying him to do things he already knows how to do, and he’s willing to accept a certain amount of risk. She says, and he’s willing to break the law, and he says, the worst thing he’s seen Sonny do is hang him from a meat hook. I laugh, because it’s true. Sonny is the most innocuous mobster in the world. She says, that could have been a lot worse, but he says he survived, thanks to her. Ever since he saved Sonny’s life at the warehouse, Sonny’s attitude toward him has changed. Sonny’s giving him more opportunities and trusting him more. This is his best option, and he’s going to take it. Unless it’s going to cost him her.

Brook says, Chase did all the research, and can tell Olivia all the specs. Olivia is all excited, and asks if it has 4-wheel drive, advanced driver assist, hands-free technology. Brook says, Olivia’s family used to own a garage in Brooklyn, and Chase says, nice. To answer her question, yes, yes, and yes. She says, then don’t think, do. Can she ask what’s the special reason he decided to buy this fancy new truck? He says he came into some money doing this whole singing thing – Brook says, like she promised – and now that he’s back to being a cop, he thought he’d treat himself to the truck of his dreams. Olivia says, congratulations, when Trish runs over, and tells Olivia that the paramedics are coming up. There’s been a slip and fall at the pool.

Drew continues to work on Ned, when the paramedics come in and take over. Drew says, he’s been unconscious for a couple of minutes. He’s been doing CPR. He got no sign of any pulse at all. Please… Olivia comes in, followed by Brook and Chase. She starts to run to Ned, but Drew holds her back, saying, let them do their work. The hallway is empty.

Nina pours a drink in Sonny’s office, and looks at her engagement ring. She flashes back to Sonny proposing. Then she remembers Ned saying, when Sonny finds out she was the one who pointed the SEC at Carly, she and Sonny are done. Sonny comes in, and says, Frank told him that she was waiting. What brings her by?

Anna tells Valentin that she switched her phone off because she’s a coward. Of all the people that could reach out to her, the one person she dreads is Emma. Emma is going to beg her to say it’s not true, that she wasn’t a traitor. She’s going to have to tell Emma… She starts to cry, and he puts his hand on her knee. She says, that she was, and Valentin says he thinks Anna shouldn’t underestimate her. She’s going to be hurt, she’s going to want an explanation, but Anna can give it to her. Anna can tell her that she was pulled in over her head; that she was manipulated by Cesar Faison. Anna says, she knows. She was, but how do you explain that? Maybe one day she’ll want to listen. Emma might even forgive her. But the way Emma used to look at her, with such pride, like she was the thing Emma aspired to be, that’s gone forever. He holds her as she cries. I wish my grandma had been Anna. She used to try and get us to take hard boiled eggs in a paper bag for the plane ride home. 😖

Sam says, Dante was pretty wrecked when he came back from the WSB, and he says, that’s one way to put it. She says, he managed to rebuild his life, and he says he had a lot of help; from Anna, from his family, and mostly from her. He wouldn’t have chosen any of that, but he survived. And waiting for him on the other side was Sam, someone he never expected. Now he never wants any other life, and it’s all her fault. He says he loves her, and they kiss.

Michael tells Carly, yes, Dex is qualified to protect Sonny, but who says he wants to, or that he’ll agree to take the risk of reporting back to him what Sonny does. Sure, it’s in Sonny’s best interest, but Sonny won’t see it that way. That means Dex would be a spy, and it could get him killed. Why should he take that risk when he can just take the money he’s earned and disappear? She says, he knows Dex. Would he do that? Michael says, he wouldn’t blame him if he did. He knows it would break Josslyn’s heart; she cares about him. Carly says, she truly cares about him. That’s one of the reasons she came up with this plan. Josslyn’s feelings are getting deeper and deeper all the time. The longer Dex stays in Port Charles, the more devastated she’ll be if he decides to leaved. If he decides to disappear, better it happens now. He asks if she’s sure about this, and she says, no. She’s not sure about any of this, but she does know she wants Michael to give Dex a choice, and let’s see what he decides.

Josslyn says, Dex just made this big case about why he wants to work for Sonny, but he’ll quit if she wants him to? He says he’s very clear she wants him to, but he’ll quit if it’s the only way they can stay together. She takes his hand and says, no. She’s not going to put conditions on their relationship. She’s not going to tell him what he can and can’t do. He’d only start resenting her. So she’d rather take her chances, and watch him take his with Sonny. Dex can go be his best lieutenant, risk his life, and break the law. Just remember, his life is kind of important to her. He says he’ll remember, and kisses her.

Sonny asks, what’s wrong? and Nina says, it’s all his fault. If he hadn’t given her such a spectacular ring, she wouldn’t be thinking about him all the time. So it leads her to want to see him, which led her to come here. He says, she’s always welcome, and she says, remember when they came back from Nixon Falls, and she was convinced she’d lost him forever? He hated her for withholding the truth about who he was. She thought he’d never forgive her, but what made it even worse was the memory of how happy she’d been with him. He says, they’ve all done things they regret and can’t forget the past, but what they can do is not live there. They can also think about the future they’re going to have – together. She says she wants that more than anything, but tonight, she just wants him, and they hug.

The paramedics get Ned situated on the gurney, and Olivia says she’s his wife. She needs to be riding in the ambulance with him. She tells Ned she’s here, and asks if he can hear her. She’s not leaving him, even for a second. Brook asks, what happened? and Tracy says, Drew attacked Ned and almost killed him. She tells Chase to put his badge to use; arrest him for assault.

Tomorrow, Austin tells Ava, if she doesn’t do what Mason wants, it could get them both killed; Elizabeth says, Finn’s secret is safe with her; and Drew asks if Chase is seriously going to arrest him.

🏥 Checking In…

I always liked him on AMC, but I’m hoping he’s not going to play a nice guy. We already have enough of those on the show right now.

Walt Willey Cast on GENERAL HOSPITAL!

💃🏽 Welcome To the Nurses Ball…

It must have been a blast.

Nicholas Chavez Opens up About His Very First GH Nurses Ball

📹 Sweet Share…

Such a shame. I can’t even fathom how she must feel.

Kristina Wagner Shares a Beautiful Video of Son Harrison on the Anniversary of His Death

🪧 Soap Solidarity…

Six degrees of GH. Fran Drescher is the SAG-AFTRA president, and Charles Shaughnessy (Victor) starred with her on The Nanny.

Will Soap Opera Actors Strike Next?

☯️ Yin and Yang…

Jersey Girl.

https://okmagazine.com/p/melissa-gorga-fan-post-star-rhonj-amid-nasty-feud-teresa-giudice/

Bitch Boy.

https://screenrant.com/real-housewives-of-new-jersey-luis-ruelas-lawsuit/

🍊 Angry Woman No More…

This is good… I guess.

https://pagesix.com/2023/06/03/shannon-beador-reunites-with-ex-david-years-after-divorce/

💎 Exit Stage Hilton…

Did anyone really think she was coming back after last season?

https://people.com/kathy-hilton-exits-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-not-filming-season-13-7502450

👨🏽‍🍳 Winner, Winner, Deconstructed Chicken Dinner…

This was an excellent season, and I called it. I couldn’t help thinking of what I’d do during the different challenges. Like when the chefs did elevated picnics. I would have handed the judges a to-go bag from Balducci’s.

https://people.com/top-chef-crowns-winner-in-first-world-all-stars-finale-7510110

🍸 Not Today Satan…

We all need a break from the Vanderpump Rules Reunion blues – I know it bummed me out – so I’ll just say this about that. While I blame them both, Sandoval is the worse of the two. He’s truly a sociopath with delusions of grandeur, and I don’t care how much he wails that he’s human. That wasn’t an, oops, we were really drunk, or even, I fell in love with someone else. Not that those would be an excuse to cheat. You should always close the door on one relationship before opening it to another. The thing that made it so awful was that it went on for so long. Sandoval is also nearly 40, and obviously the less sheltered of the two, and no doubt manipulating the situation.

Which brings me to the awful vapidness of the ex-beauty queen runner-up. The fact that she could pretend to be such a good friend to Ariana is extremely disturbing. I don’t know if Rachel is a sociopath, but there’s definitely something going on there in that there seems to be nothing going on there. Lisa had it correct that she seemed to be playing a role, like it was a competition. It’s what she knows, but it’s not as human as she claims. Normally, those who grow up in that life either leave it behind eventually, live off their endorsements, or when they can no longer do, they teach the next generation of contestants. Rachel is stuck in some weird groove in the movie in her head, and Ariana also had it right in that she finds her identity in men, and has no original thoughts. Why? Who knows? Hopefully, she’ll find these things out in therapy, but she’s done for on reality TV. And if she’s offered one of those villain roles in some all-stars challenge show, it would be in her best interest to steer clear. I have no clue what her parents are really like, since James’s narrative is questionable to be sure; that they started it. It would behoove them to take charge, and get her as far away from LA as possible.

As for Lisa, she who can do no wrong, I have never seen her look sadder. At least not in public. I have no clue what happens behind closed doors, nor should I, but I have never seen her look like that. Not when her mother died, not when her brother died of an overdose, not when Giggy, or any of the other dogs, or the pony died. It was the sadness of a mother whose children have seriously f***ed up. And she does look at them as her children, so I hope Ariana and Lala eventually give her a pass.

Ariana is already doing okay. Her heart’s still broken, but better now than after they got married and/or had children. I’m with her on thank God her eggs weren’t fertilized. He would have probably challenged her for them on top of it. Lala was spot on once again when she said Ariana would look back and see this as a favor.

The whole thing was just sad.

🦫 So I Leave You With This…

Because we all need a laugh, and animals are the best.

https://www.upworthy.com/flying-squirrel-faking-its-own-death

🎨 Being My Own Muse…

Stop on in tomorrow for soap, the tea du jour, quotes, and a song. Until then, stay safe, stay filling the paper tray if you’ve used the last piece, and stay not living in the past.

Jun7

June 6, 2023 – Drew Wants To Talk About a Deal, Jersey Takes Awful Up a Notch, Thoughts & Smalltown

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Portia goes into an exam room and finds Esme there in a hospital gown.

Drew visits Curtis, and Curtis tells him, it’s official; he’s Trina’s father. Drew gives him a bro hug, and says, congratulations. It’s the best thing in the world. How does he feel? Curtis says, she’s a gem. He hit the jackpot. Drew says he has goosebumps. Trina’s an amazing young woman. Curtis says he does have his regrets about the time they spent apart, but he’s looking toward the future. Drew says, that’s the Curtis he knows. Is that why he’s here? Did he barge in on some daughter time? Curtis says, Trina’s staying with Josslyn, and Drew says, she’s not ready to come back home yet? Curtis says, no, but he is. He moved his things in. Drew says, really? and Curtis asks why he sounds so surprised. Drew says, the last time they talked, Curtis said he was conflicted about his feelings. Does that mean he’s got everything figured out?

Zeke introduces himself, and Jordan does the same, adding, like she said… He says he heard her loud and clear. He’s just going to have his drink and go. If that’s cool with her. He orders a tequila, soda, and lime, and she says, he’s awfully sure of himself, isn’t he? He says he’s always had a way with people, and she asks if he’s an only child. He says he has a sister. Why? She says, it’s been her experience that many over-confident people have grown up as the sole focus of their parents.

Willow sits up, when Nurse Clara comes in, and says she wanted to check in on her favorite patient. Willow says she doesn’t think she can be anything but absolutely grateful, and Clara says, grateful is good, but a bone marrow transplant can be a very difficult procedure. It’s okay to say she’s in pain. Willow says, it hurts way more than she expected. She just can’t find a comfortable position to sit in. Clara says, if it’s any comfort, that’s a common reaction. Now they just have to find some ways to distract her. Would she like her mom to come in? Willow says, her mom? and Clara says, she’s been camped out here 24/7; barely left Willow’s side. She’s sure she’d love to see Willow, if she’s up to it.

Laura goes to Doc’s office and asks if he’s got a minute. She’d like to talk to him about something. He says, as opposed to about thirty minutes when he gets home from work? and she says, yeah; it’s that important. He asks what it is, and she closes the door. He says, it’s that important, and she says she’s made a decision about something. She knows he’s going to try and talk her out of it, but she’s not going to change her mind. He says, hit me, and she says she’s going to look for Nikolas. More specifically, she’s going to Russia to look for Nikolas.

Brook wonders why Chase has been gone so long, and tells Tracy, and you know what? He’s not our waiter. Tracy says, they can’t talk around him, and Brook asks why they don’t wait until they’re home. Tracy says she was going to pull Brook aside tonight, but then saw her lounging by the pool, getting absolutely nothing constructive done. And Brook hasn’t brought her anything yet on The Deceptor patent. Brook says she’s sorry, but Tracy says, don’t apologize or make excuses. Is it Chase? Is he too much of a distraction? Because she can tell him that it was her who made the phone call to get him reinstated. Brook shushes her, and says, yes, Tracy was the one who called the CCRB to get them to look at his case, but Chase got himself reinstated. Tracy says, he’s not going to like it either way, and really? A policeman? Brook says, he’s a detective, and Tracy says, those law and order types are always so hung up on the rules. Brook says, imagine that, and Tracy says, she just needs to do her job and do it fast, but Brook says she’s worried about Tracy and whatever she has planned. Maxie, Sasha, and Lucy are her friends. She won’t do anything to hurt them.

Lucy goes into Maxie’s office with a bottle of champagne, and two glasses. She asks if Maxie is reading the report she just finished reading, and Maxie says, with the initial numbers of the sales of The Deceptor? It almost seems to good to be true. Lucy says, too good to be true? Oh poo. The Deceptor is flying off the shelves because it’s a fantastic product. They marketed it, promoted the heck out of it, and they deserve to celebrate. Maxie says, without Brook and Sasha? and Lucy says, for now. They can celebrate again tomorrow. Maybe with mimosas in the morning and champagne at sunset. Taking the product, the phenomenon that it is, back to Home & Heart was a genius idea. Whose idea was it? Oh that’s right; it was mine. She pops open the bottle, and they squeal.

Portia asks, what brings Esme in today? and Esme says she has a sore throat and her whole body aches. She just wanted to make sure it’s not strep, for her baby’s sake, and so she doesn’t spread it around work. She has a job at The Invader. At least she thinks she still has a job. Things didn’t exactly go well her first day. Portia says, and spreading an infection to the whole staff of the paper might be the last straw, and Esme says, exactly. Portia begins her examination, and says, already working, huh? Esme says she wishes she didn’t have to. She hates the idea of leaving Ace. Portia asks if she has to work. Ace is a Cassadine. Esme says, Ace is her son, and she wants to make sure Spencer can’t take him away from her by claiming she’s unfit, or lacking the resources to raise him. Portia says, that’s exactly her point; Esme does have resources. Esme asks what she means.

Curtis says he thought he’d at least try to work things out with his wife, and Drew says, moving in is a great first step. Curtis says, baby step. He’s still in the guest room. Drew says, nothing wrong with taking things slow, and Curtis says, it just sounds so weird; taking things slow with his wife. Drew says he thinks it sounds smart. Good for him. Curtis wishes everyone felt that way, and Drew says, Jordan? Curtis says, yeah. Portia told her that he moved back home before he had a chance to break the news to her. He hated for her to find out that way. Drew says, that’s not good. He’s sorry. So Jordan was really upset? Curtis says, Jordan accused him of using her to sort out his feelings, and he has to be honest. He can’t even be mad at her because it’s valid. Drew says, not what happened? and Curtis says, no. He would never intentionally hurt Jordan like that. Drew says, sometimes in order to do what’s right, you have to hurt the people you love. Um… what?

Clara asks if she said something to upset Willow, but Willow says, no. Clara says she’s been working double shifts, and whether she comes in at dawn or midnight, Willow’s mom is always here, looking after her. Willow says, really? and Clara asks if it’s so hard to believe. Do they not get along? Willow says, the thing is, last year, she found out the woman who raised her for her entire life, the woman she called mom, wasn’t her biological mother. Clara says she’s so sorry. It must have come as quite a shock. Willow says, it did. The woman she thought was her mom, Harmony, was a very damaged human being, lost and looking for guidance. She was easily manipulated, easily fell prey to the wrong people. She wasn’t always the protector a good mom should be. Willow thinks she tried, but still, somehow… Clara says, she was Willow’s mom, and Willow loved her, and Willow says she did, even though she let Willow down over and over again. And even after she found out Harmony wasn’t even her mom – it’s crazy – Willow’s first instinct is always to defend her.

Doc tells Laura, Nikolas has been missing for months. Why the sudden push to look for him now? She says she thinks something is wrong, and Nikolas may need her help. She found out there’s a property the Cassadines own in Chechnya. He may very well be there. Doc says, there may be a Cassadine property in Russia, but that doesn’t mean Nikolas is living there, and she says she knows that, but it’s the only lead she’s got. She just doesn’t believe her son would completely abandon both of his sons. She thinks either he’s being held against his will, or he’s fallen into a deep depression. Either way, he needs help. She’s his mother. She’s going to help him. He says, yes, she is, and she should.

Lucy pours the champagne, and says, to world wide domination. Maxie says she likes that, and to cruelty free cosmetics. Lucy says she likes that too. To The Deceptor. They clink glasses.

Laura says, Doc’s not going to fight her on this? He’s not going to tell her how dangerous Chechnya is? He says, she already knows how dangerous it is, and he knows once she’s made up her mind, there’s no point in trying to talk her out of it. She thanks him for understanding, and he says he understands all too well. That’s why he’s going with her.

Drew says, rumor has it, the Feds are going to be offering Carly a deal if she gives them Sonny, and Curtis says, but they haven’t approached her yet. Drew says, it doesn’t matter. Anybody who knows Carly knows she would never give up Sonny. They’ve been through a lot together, but when it comes to protecting their family, nothing trumps that. Curtis says, so if giving up Sonny’s not an option, what is? and Drew says, they will likely pit Carly and him against each other. Curtis says, no prison time if Drew testifies against Carly and vice versa. Damn. Only one of them can make that deal. Drew says he thinks Carly might be considering it.

Zeke’s drink comes, and Jordan says she’s sorry if she was rude, but he says, don’t apologize. He appreciates a woman who’s direct. She tells him, most men say that, and then… He says, then what? Did one do her wrong? She says, her mood is her own fault. She did something stupid. He says, that doesn’t sound like her, but she says, he doesn’t even know her. He says, convince him that she’s wrong, and she says she kissed her ex. And then he promptly went back to his new wife. So like she said, stupid, but you know what? She told herself that she wouldn’t waste another minute. She knows he just got one, but can she buy him a drink?

Clara says she’s a mom; three blessings. On their best days they can do spectacular things. Get everyone fed, off to school, hold down a job, stop the pain from hurting, but they’re only human. And on their best days they do what they can, but when they have those rough days, those days when that little voice in your head is screaming to run away, they have to forgive themselves for not being perfect. She doesn’t know this Harmony, but can tell Willow still loves her. Maybe she didn’t have great parents. Maybe when she got Willow, she thought she could improve on what she was taught as a little girl. That’s the best they can do as moms; strive to do better for their littles ones and not repeat their mother’s mistakes. They strive to do their best so they can leave things better for the next generation of moms.

Maxie says, sometimes she has to pinch herself, and Lucy asks, why? Maxie says she knew it was a solid concept, but never dreamed Deception would be so successful. Lucy says, Maxie needs to dream bigger, and if Maxie doesn’t mind her saying so, she needs a bigger house. They have to move her on up. Maxie says she knows. Three kids in a two bedroom apartment, that’s insane. But it takes time to find a new place to live; time she doesn’t have. Lucy says, that’s why they made computers. She doesn’t do much realty work these days, but she does have access to fabulous real estate websites, so why don’t they take a deep dive and scoop Maxie up a dream house?

Tracy says, Brook is acting like she wants her to murder someone, and Brook says, like that’s out of the realm of possibilities. Tracy says, this is just business, and Brook says, Maxie, Sasha, and Lucy are great bosses, and Deception’s doing really well. Tracy says, well, all that’s going to change, and soon. She flounces out.

Clara brings Willow some water, and says she doesn’t mean to be nosy, but she has to assume the woman who’s been here every day looking after Willow, making sure she gets her pain meds the minute they’re due to be given, is her biological mom. How did Willow find her? Willow says, she’s not her mom; she’s her mother-in-law, and Clara says, devoted as she is, she would have sworn it was Willow’s mom. I’d love to know how Carly is there 24/7 when we’ve seen her in the kitchen for the last four days. Willow says, that’s Carly, and she loves her dearly. She has a really big heart. Clara says, good for her. She never really got along with her mother-in-law. Willow says, that’s too bad. She’s so thankful to have Carly in her life. Clara says she’s sure Willow’s mother-in-law is thankful to have Willow in her life. It’s a shame her biological mother died without Willow getting to know her. (That’s a weird thing to say, since Willow didn’t even imply that a little.) Willow says, her biological mother is alive, and living in Port Charles. But she wants nothing to do with her.

Curtis says he gets that Carly wants to put the kids first, but he knows Drew, and knows Drew feels the same way. Drew says he’s missed out on so much of Scout’s life already. The last thing he wants to do is miss out on more. Curtis asks if there’s some scenario where Drew and Carly can beat the charges together, and Drew says he’s working on it; nothing concrete yet. Curtis says his offer to help still stands, and Drew says he knows and appreciates it. They clink beer bottles, and Curtis says, it does seem extreme. Drew agrees, and Curtis says, the merger between ELQ and Aurora never happened, so nobody made any money. Drew says, just the opposite actually, and Curtis asks if this is one of those slap on the wrist deals where you do community service and pay a fine, and everybody’s on their way, but Drew says, not likely. He thinks the US Attorney’s office wants Carly to flip on Sonny.

Portia checks Esme’s throat, and says, accepting financial support from your baby’s father doesn’t make you unfit, but Esme says she’s terrified she’ll lose Ace. Portia says, she has rights. Her throat does look irritated, but Portia doesn’t think it’s strep. They’re going to do a culture just to make sure. Esme asks, what about the muscle aches? and Portia says, Esme endured a horrible ordeal when Ace was kidnapped, right? Esme says, so did Portia, and Portia says she did. She had trouble sleeping and eating. Did the same thing happen with Esme? Esme says, it was awful. Her baby coming home was all she could think about. Portia says she thinks Esme is under a lot of stress right now, and Esme says she did have a panic attack at work yesterday. Portia asks how things are going at home. She imagines living with Spencer and Laura is pretty tense. Esme says, it’s not the best situation, no. She actually tried to leave the other day. Portia asks if they’ve threatened to cut Esme off if she decides to leave town, but Esme says, just the opposite. Spencer says he’ll follow her wherever she goes.

Laura says, Doc wants to go with her to Chechnya? What about his job? He says, what about her job? She says she got Jordan to take on the job of Deputy Mayor, so the city is in very good hands. Besides, there’s email, and there’s Zoom if there’s any kind of an emergency. He says he has plenty of vacation time banked, and she says, what about Esme and Spencer? Doesn’t he think they need supervision? He says, that’s more like a refereeing, and they are adults. They have to learn how to figure things out sooner or later. They can’t just keep coming to Laura or him to do it for them. She asks if he really wants to leave them to their own devices, and he says, how about if he sees if Alexis and her daughters are okay with being on Spencer watch? Laura says she likes that, and she can always ask Sonny to keep an eye out too. He says, then it’s settled. They’re going to Chechnya. She says she guesses it is. They have to find somebody who knows the language and knows how things work in that part of the world. He asks where she thinks one would find such a person, and she says she knows who to ask.

Lucy tells Maxie, look at this one. It’s got a three car garage, and a beautiful patio off the master suite. Giant pool, gorgeous, sexy jacuzzi, and look at the chandelier. Maxie could throw the most beautiful parties. Maxie says, it is gorgeous, and look at that kitchen. But why is Lucy showing her McMansions? She can’t afford any of these. Besides, who has a pool in upstate New York. It’s impractical. Lucy says, Maxie says impractical; she says necessary. Swimming is very good exercise. Okay. Maybe it’s a little extravagant. Maxie says she has three kids. Extravagant for her is not eating their leftovers for dinner. Lucy says she’s trying to get Maxie to dream bigger and think bigger, and Maxie says she needs a bigger house so all her kids can have their own rooms. Georgie will be over the moon, and James will finally stop bugging her. Lucy says, wait for it… Look at this one… a tree-lined neighborhood. It says, good schools, excellent schools, big backyard. Wow. Four bedrooms, three baths, and a walk-in closet. Maxie grips Lucy’s shoulder, and says, talk about the lap of luxury. She’s in love, and it even has a little white picket fence. She’s started liking white picket fences. Does that mean she’s a grown-up now? Lucy says she thinks Maxie started being a grown-up when she became a mother, but you do you. Maxie gets to do whatever she wants and what she thinks is right. Maxie says she loves it.

Zeke says, so the mechanic tells him that he has a rabbit in his engine, and Jordan says, not possible. He says, it happens more than you think, especially in the snow. The engine is warm, and the rabbit got in there and started chewing on the hoses. When they popped the hood, there was rabbit fur everywhere. Jordan says, not a fan of bunnies, huh? and Zeke says, not anymore. She asks where he’s from, and he asks how she knows he’s an out of towner. She says she’d remember if she’d seen him before, and he says, she’s got him. He’s new to Port Charles. This place is starting to look better by the minute.

Clara says, Nina Reeves is Willow’s mother? She reads Crimson religiously. It’s a shame she didn’t get a chance to raise Willow. Willow says she’s not sure it’s a bad thing. Harmony had her faults, but Nina’s a trainwreck. Clara says she doesn’t believe anyone’s all bad; or all good, for that matter. They’re all flawed and imperfect. Some of us give in to our good instincts; some of us give in to the bad ones. Life is complicated. It sounds to her like the universe wants them in each other’s orbits. Nina’s Aunt Liesl saved Willow’s life with the bone marrow transplant. She thinks the universe wants them in each other’s lives. Willow says, no. Every time she gives Nina an inch, she takes a mile. Clara says, yet she forgave Harmony for her mistakes. Is Nina really that unforgivable? Willow says, that’s exactly what she’s saying, and Clara says, so if Willow were to get a call saying Nina had died in an unexpected car accident, how would she feel?

Maxie tells Lucy, this house does seem perfect for her. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an amazing kitchen, good schools, but can she really afford it? I thought they made millions when the company went public, and Lucy says, come on. Look around her. Think about what an amazingly successful year they’ve had at Deception together. Maxie says, what about next year, and the year after that, and the year after that? Lucy says, it’s a valid point, but all they have to do is come up with more products, new and better products, and they can do that together as long as they put their minds to it. Come on, Maxie. Live for today. Maxie says, to living for today, and Lucy says, to Deception. Maxie says, to Deception, and they clink glasses.

On the phone, Laura says she hopes they don’t mind she got their number from Brook, but she has a problem, and they’re the perfect person to talk to about it… Oh no. It’s not official city business. It’s personal. Her son has been missing for a few months now, and she has reason to believe he might be in a home in Chechnya. The problem is, she and her husband don’t speak Russian, and have never been to that part of the world. She was hoping they’d know someone who could act as a translator and as a guide. So would they happen to know anyone who could fill that bill?… She and Doc would like to leave as soon as they can.

Portia says, in her opinion, Esme needs to do what’s best for her and that baby, and Esme says she agrees, but Laura does have a good point. She can’t take care of Ace all by herself, and if she leaves town, she’ll have to get a full-time job. Portia says, but maybe not, and Esme says, people need money to eat and buy clothes and put a roof over their head. Portia says, yes, of course (🍷), but does she think Spencer would let his baby brother go hungry? Esme says she doesn’t want to be dependent on anyone, and Portia says she respects that, but maybe moving out of Port Charles with her baby would be better for Esme. It sounds like she’d be more comfortable without Ace’s family watching her every move.

Drew tells Curtis, the situation is just so untenable. At some point, something’s got to give. He thanks Curtis for talking it out. He has enough on his plate, and Drew appreciates it. Curtis says, it is awkward, living in his own house and staying in the guest room, but he owes it to himself, and to Portia, to hang in there and make it work. Drew says he’s proud of Curtis, and Curtis says, that kiss just confused everything, and it brought up feelings that were better off buried.

Willow says, Clara doesn’t play fair, and Clara says, it was just a question. Willow sighs and says, when Harmony died, and the truth came out about who she really was and all the bad things she’d done, she still missed her. And she never stopped loving her. And yes, she wishes Harmony were still alive. Clara says, her biological mom isn’t dead, and Willow says, no, she’s not. And she very badly wants to be in Willow’s life and her kids’ lives. And if Nina were to die tomorrow, she thinks she’d feel another loss, like she did with Harmony. But with Nina, it’s so much more complicated. Clara asks if it has to be. Her relationship with her mother wasn’t perfect, but she’d do anything to see her again. Her beeper goes off, and she says she has to go. She’ll see Willow later.

Laura thanks Yuri, and looks like she’s in shock. Doc says, what? Did Yuri say he can’t help them? She says, just the opposite. He’s between jobs. He says he’d love to help them. Doc says, that’s excellent, and she says, for the first time, for weeks now, she actually thinks there’s a chance for her to see her sone again. Doc hugs her.

Portia says, someone will call Esme with the results from her throat culture, and in the meantime, here’s a prescription that will help her manage her pain. Esme thanks her, and Portia says, in the meantime, eat healthy, drink fluids, and have nutrient rich foods. Take care of herself, and that baby. Esme says, will do, and she’ll think about what Portia said.

Drew says he hopes things work out with Curtis and Portia, and Curtis says, time will tell. He tells Drew to call him if he needs anything. Drew says, only if he does the same, and Curtis says, he’s got it. They fist bump, and Drew leaves. Outside, he makes a call. He says, it’s Drew Cain. They have to move up the meeting regarding the SEC. He wants to talk about a deal.

Chase asks, where’s Tracy? and Brook says, gone. He says, more pâté for them, but she says she hates pâté. He says, him too. What’s going on with her and her grandmother? She says she wishes she knew. The bartender cleans up. Both Jordan and Zeke are gone. He finds Jordan’s ring in the bottom of her glass.

Zeke and Jordan get very, very busy in his  room at the MetroCourt as his jazzy playlist plays.

Tomorrow, Olivia tells Ned that she knows exactly how they’re going to do it; Drew asks someone to meet this evening; and Josslyn tells Carly to have the courage to do what Michael couldn’t.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey – The Reunion – Part 2

Ugh for the second time this week, and it’s only Tuesday.

Andy says, Teresa doesn’t really think her brother and sister-in-law are responsible for her going to jail, and Teresa says, they hung out with the people responsible. She spoke to the FBI. Melissa says she doesn’t know the man Teresa is talking about, and Andy says he’s curious about Dolores’s reaction, but Dolores says she just can’t fathom… Melissa asks how would they even know this guy, and Teresa says, they weren’t targeting her, but her ex, by hanging out with the people doing it to her ex. Melissa says she and Joe #2 didn’t commit mortgage fraud, and Teresa says they did it to her husband. Melissa says, it’s a f***ing lie. Melissa reads a text from Jacqueline Laurita to Jackie calling Teresa an entire long paragraph of names, saying she’s a nasty a-hole who thinks she’s a goddess. Melissa says, this is Teresa’s friend, and Teresa says, Jacqueline said Melissa is a whore, and Andy says, moving on. Teresa says she’s cleansing the bad energy, and I wait for her to leave, but she doesn’t. Andy asks Rachel what the first season was like, dealing with a two year old and a newborn, and we flash back. Rachel says, it was challenging, but she has help from her mom and aunt, since she has no nanny. She’d rather have someone do cleaning so she can spend time with her kids. You don’t get that time back. She tears up, and Andy says, a viewer wonders if she prefers John hairy or smooth. We flash back to John’s waxing, and she says she likes him smooth. He’s shaved his entire body, and got lipo. He looks younger now. Andy says, Miley from Oakland wants to know what Rachel thought when Jennifer called her out on her nose job when she’d had one herself. Jennifer starts off talking about the plastic surgeon, and slides into babbling about irrelevant topics. Rachel says, none of that happened, but Jennifer says, that’s how she remembers it. So I guess that makes it fact. She accuses Rachel of being BravoLover1234 on social media. I’m doubting that just because I would hope she’d make up a more original handle. Jennifer talks and talks and talks, and Rachel asks if Andy can make her stop talking, but he says, she’ll run out of gas soon. Finally, he gets a word in, and asks where Rachel is in the adoption process. She says, it was finalized, and Andy says, it was so touching when Jaiden expressed it was what he wanted, and we flash back to that. Rachel says she’s going to cry. We all are, and I’ll say it again, she needs to take those kids, her newly hot husband, and run. She says, Jaiden’s birth mother had been contacted by blogs, and said they were adopting for the show. Dolores says, Rachel was talking about it years ago, and Andy says, Jaiden’s birth mother was saying John was preventing her from speaking or seeing Jaiden. Rachel says, a castmate provided more information. Jaiden’s birth mother was contacted because of Louie. He’d gotten information on what prison she’d been in and where she was, and had someone track her down. Andy asks how she found out it was Louie, and she says, he told someone close to her who’s not in the cast. Teresa acts like, no way would Louie ever do such a thing, but Marge says, Louie screaming a P.I.’s name at them makes sense now, and we flash back to the Bo Dietl debacle. Teresa says, Marge is calling the kettle black. Everything comes to Marge. Marge says, she’d never hire a P.I., and Teresa says, Louie has the money. Melissa says, he’s a great f***ing catch, and Teresa says, Marge started it, and Melissa says, Marge apologized, and Teresa said she did nothing wrong. Somehow, this escalates between Melissa and Teresa, who do that thing I hate, shouting over each other so you can’t understand either one of them, but it makes no sense anyway. It ends with Teresa telling Melissa to take a namaste and stick it up her a-hole, and Melissa says, if she could find one, she would.

Jackie and Jen join the group, Andy saying, the nice Jewish girls have arrived. Andy says, Jen has made her transformation into the Housewives universe; it usually takes longer. Jen says she doesn’t recognize herself. She’s had a facelift, a nose job, and lost weight. Andy says, she’s not messing around, and she says, if she’s not asked back, this might be her last shot. She also seems sane, so I don’t get this. He asks how she liked her first season, and she says, it was actually better than expectation in terms of filming, but the aftermath is tricky. There was a lot of reaction to her having slept with James Gandolfini. She was surprised how offended people were. She wasn’t always this old hag; she was in her 20s. People said he couldn’t defend himself and had slept with an old hag. God almighty. She didn’t look that bad, and yeah, had anyone seen James in later years? He wasn’t exactly Hugh Jackman. Or even Ryan Reynolds. Jen says, her exit has the James Gandolfini rest stop, and it makes her cry. Andy says, Jackie looks healthy; she seems like she’s radiating. Jackie says she needed more weight in her face; she looks younger. He asks how she feels being back as a friend, and she says, it was hard. Maybe, but it’s probably why she looks healthy. A few months into her recovery, they were talking about casting, but she was not in a good place. She’d gained a lot of weight in a short period of time, and she didn’t want to move backwards. It was the best thing, and gave her a chance to write her book, which was important in her recovery. Andy says, when Dolores was on Watch What Happens Live, she’d talked honestly about taking Ozempic, and asks Jackie her opinion. Jackie says, it’s not a bad thing to want to lose weight, but she thinks the problem is, one day, you have to go off of them, and studies show you gain the weight back quickly. People can become addicted to being thin, and getting back to it is where dangerous habits can come in. Well said. Andy asks the name of her book, and she says, The Weight of Beautiful. He says, who knew she was a talented limerick lyricist, and we flash back to that. She says, a few Guinness’s will get her there. She makes one up about Andy, which I didn’t catch exactly, but close enough. There once was a man who got chatty with ladies who liked to be catty. A producer and host from coast to coast, the Housewives all call him daddy. Andy asks, who’s the better chugger? and everyone agrees that it’s Jackie. We flash back, and Andy says, Melissa talked about drunk dialing her ex and was stealing wine glasses. Melissa says, when she’s drunk, she likes to have fun, and she’ll say anything. Teresa says she shouldn’t do that kind of stuff since she’s a married woman with children. Melissa says, Teresa calls people the c-word and her children see that. Teresa says she had a good reason to use that word😐, and Melissa says she was just having fun with the girls. Teresa says, if she hadn’t been getting married, she’d have made a big deal about it. Marge says, it was all in fun, and Teresa says, of course Marge would back up Melissa. Andy asks what Teresa’s problem with male strippers is, and she says she’s into Channing Taynum [sic]. Melissa feigns shock, and says, how dare Teresa say such a thing when she’s married? Andy says, it’s time to take a break. I know I need one.

The dudes arrive backstage, and ugh, Louie is such a jerk. Frank says, they’re going to bust John’s cherry. Back at the Reunion, Andy says, in Ireland, they had a way with words, and we flash back to Teresa’s raw as a cucumber and fresh of breath air; Melissa’s thinking the word arsenal had something to do with a book; Danielle insisting conversating is a word; and Jennifer’s infamous boogawolf. Andy says, it’s a new one to him, and Jennifer says, her best friend from Arkansas said, the next time she saw Marge, call her that. At the dinner, a lightbulb popped in her head. Let’s add that to the list since it’s more like a lightbulb popped on over her head. Jen says she’s used it like ten times since. Andy asks Melissa to define arsenal, and she’s still shaky on that, but her lightbulb finally comes on. Did anyone here go to school or even ever read a book? A viewer points out that conversating is in the dictionary, and Marge says, it is now, but it’s a slang word, and she wouldn’t use it on an application. I find it kind of annoying. Another viewer commends Marge for taking in friends as family, and asks how her relationship with Jan’s kids is. She says, Jan died last August, and it was hard on them; it was sudden. His son called her, and said Jan was going to the hospital, and to get there asap. She spoke to Jan every day. Andy asks if Marge’s stepdaughter is the only one of Jan’s children she’s estranged from, and Marge says, it’s still hard. They talk some more about Rachel adopting, and Marge says Rachel is a great mother. Then we have to hear about Marge’s early sex life with Joe #3, which I don’t need, and who’s having the most sex, which is another thing not on my bucket list of info needed. A viewer wonders why Marge wasn’t okay with Jennifer and Teresa saying she was a better friend than an enemy, but was okay with Jackie saying she wouldn’t want Marge as an enemy. Marge says, with Jennifer and Teresa, it was a forewarning; like saying she’s not a good person. Jackie says, all she meant was Marge would be a formidable opponent. Teresa whines that she just said that because of what Jackie said. A viewer asks where Marge gets her information, and if she gets Google alerts. Marge says she doesn’t get alerts, and doesn’t have an arsenal of information. Teresa says, Marge brought up the rumor about Ethan cheating, and Andy says, Teresa is the one who brought it up. Teresa says, that’s because she heard it from her brother, who heard it from Melissa, who heard it from Marge. Melissa says, that didn’t happen, and Andy says, there was a lot of talk about Laura. What did Marge do to piss her off? Marge says she was trying to be kind and get Laura on the show. Then she realized the friendship was more about the show than a real friendship. Laura was told by someone else, the way to get on is to cause drama, so she talked to Teresa and Jennifer. Andy asks why Jennifer listened to what Laura had to say, and Jennifer says, she’d been reliving the affair while watching the show, so she  thought, why not? Andy says, Melissa already knew about the rumor before Jennifer heard it from Laura, and Jennifer says, Laura told her that Melissa knew already. There’s a bunch of nonsense from Melissa and Teresa, and Andy asks, why bring it up on camera to Danielle? And why tell Danielle not to bring it up to Melissa? Jennifer says she was letting the narrative play out, and Marge says, Jennifer went to acting school, although I’m not sure if Marge is being funny or Jennifer did go to acting school and this was the best she could do. There’s convoluted talk, and Melissa says, they just wanted to make a big deal that Danielle could deliver in the finale. Rachel says, Danielle was manipulated, and Andy asks if she feels set up. Danielle asks if they set her up.

Omg this feels so loooong, and we’re only halfway through.

There are crickets, and Jennifer says she’s sorry if it came across that way. Marge says, someone she thought was a friend lied, and it fell in Danielle’s lap. It was up to her what she did with it. Danielle says she doesn’t feel set up😐. She likes to believe she’s nobody’s pawn. Marge says, she was a pawn, but Danielle says she doesn’t think so. Andy says, she might walk away tonight with a different opinion, and Jennifer asks if she should have hidden the information. Andy asks, who thinks the rumors are true? and no one dares raise their hand even if they’re thinking it. Jennifer says she believes Marge told Laura the rumor. Andy asks, who does Melissa blame most? and Melissa says she blames Teresa for talking to Joe #2, but then Teresa won’t let her talk, and it’s the back and forth thing. Jen says, they should have invited Melissa, not just half the couple. Backstage, Joe #2 says, in 13 years, it’s never been like this. Joe #3 asks, what’s different? and Joe #2 jokingly says, Nate. Frank says, they’ve had plenty of arguments, but it’s never gotten to this point. The only thing different is Louie.

Teresa says, it wasn’t her idea. It was Louie, but everything he said was coming from Marge. Melissa asks why not ask them both to come over, and Teresa says she was going to leave, but then she felt bad. Melissa says she should feel bad. She was trying to break up her brother’s marriage. Teresa wishes her happiness, but then talks behind her back. Teresa says she wants the next question, but Melissa is like, oh no. There’s a bunch of nonsense back and forth, until Andy finally screams, hold on! Stop! But it doesn’t. It’s like two little kids who need to have the last word, and Teresa says, Melissa’s weak. Andy says he swears to God. They’re like kindergarteners who don’t grow or evolve. Teresa doesn’t miss a beat, and says, Melissa and Joe were looking for an excuse not to come to the wedding. They were looking for a storyline. Melissa says, Teresa did it, not her, but Teresa says she didn’t do it. Melissa can talk to Louie when he comes out. Melissa says, Louie’s the biggest bitch boy. He wants to be on the show; he’s the new bitch boy. Teresa says, Joe #2 is the bitch boy, and Andy suggests they keep talking over each other every f***ing second. Everyone else is either staring into space or looking down, and Teresa says she can’t wait to never look at Melissa’s face again after today. Backstage, the guys get ready. Frank says, normally, he keeps his mouth shut, but not today. He never jumps in, but he did nothing but try to help Louie. In unseen footage, Frank is telling Joe #2 about how Frankie had been working for Louie. Louie closed the company, but never told Frankie, then wouldn’t take Frankie’s calls. Joe #2 wonders what Louie’s agenda is, and Frank tells him not to fight Louie. Louie will kick his ass, not like Juicy Joe. Joe #2 laughs.  

Andy says, there was a lot of viewer reaction to Jennifer’s coffee reading, and we flash back to Angie saying, Jennifer would get endorsements. A viewer asked if Jennifer thought people would fall for it, but Jennifer insists Angie is good at what she does. Marge says, the reading was obviously tainted, and everyone gets out their dictionaries. Jennifer says, Angie is a nurse by day, and looked after nono; that’s how Jennifer knew her. She’d asked if Jennifer was going into the lion’s den, and told her that Melissa never came to visit. There’s a bunch of mess, and Andy asks if Bill’s perception on therapy has changed, and we flash back to Bill saying he doesn’t need to go back. Jennifer says, one session did wonders, and she’s not pushing it. We already know she’s never not going to sweep things under the rug. Andy asks if Bill is still in the pool house, and Jennifer says, he explained that he’s with patients all day, then comes home to her, the nanny, her dad, four kids, and now a dog. She’s using the pool house now, and they’re hanging together. She’s so happy. Andy asks if Marge believes that, and Marge says she believes this is what Jennifer wants in a marriage. Andy asks if Marge blames Jennifer for still being angry because her daughter is suffering repercussions, and Marge says she understands why Jennifer is mad, but there have obviously issues that have been going on for years, and she’s not taking responsibility for that. Jennifer says, her daughter wanted to be a Broadway star, and Marge says, she will be. Jennifer talks too much. Andy says, Marge called Jennifer a drug addict, and Marge says she’s not a vice shamer, but when the vice is your entire lifestyle… Jennifer shrieks that Marge has old lady energy about a million times, and Marge says she’s seen a change in Jennifer. Jennifer’s head spins around as she hurls stupid made up names at Marge, and Marge says, Jennifer can insult her looks all she wants. She could give two sh*ts. Andy says, Jennifer was distraught about Bill’s affair being exposed, but had no problem exposing the rumor about Melissa. Jennifer says, first, she wondered if they would share information, and Melissa says, she never shared any information about Jennifer. What was the point of bringing it into the finale? Jennifer says, for her to kill it, and Andy says, it seemed like they blamed Jennifer when it was her and Teresa, and Teresa says she did nothing with the information she was given. Andy asks how Teresa and Marge’s relationship is. They seemed cordial during the season, then they were taking shots at each other on social media. Marge says she was fine until she had Bo Dietl screamed in her face and Louie sh*t on them. Backstage, Frank says, Louie claims Bo Dietl has a file on everyone here. Who does that? Joe #2 says, it’s sick sh*t, and Frank asks why anyone would have a file unless they know they have a dirty closet. I thought Bo Dietl refuted Louie’s claim, so I’m not sure why this was brought up again here.

Marge says, she’s since found out that one of her children was called and threatened at work – by Louie. She has the phone records, and Teresa knows it. She pulls out the receipts, and Teresa says, freaky sh*t. Jennifer asks if Marge’s son spoke to him, and Marge tells them, Louie said, I’m the guy you’ve got to worry about. It’s a very private place with high security. No one has any idea where the office is. Teresa says, someone is spoofing Louie, but Marge says, no one knows where her child is. Andy says, there is some hack going on with the Housewives. They’ve all gotten calls they thought were from each other. Teresa says she spoke to a P.I., and this does happen, and Marge says, the police know about it, and the phone records were pulled. On the side, Teresa and Melissa are bickering again, and Marge says she called Dolores; she was a mess. Teresa says, if Dolores knew, why didn’t Dolores tell her, and Dolores says, she wants nothing to do with this. Teresa is all, well, I never, and says, do what she has to do. Just now, she got two missed calls from Marge. How convenient! But Marge says, it’s a landline, and no one has the number. Since denial didn’t work, Teresa says, Marge has called people about Louie in the past. Marge says she never wants to see his sham of a face again, but Andy says she’s going to have to. There’s more bickering, and Teresa calls Marge the devil. Marge says, Teresa is a criminal, and so is Louie. Teresa is the one who started the rumor about Jackie’s husband. Louie belittles her and makes her look like an a-hole. Teresa says, oh no he doesn’t, and calls Marge a whore. Marge says she’s belittled and pathetic, and Andy says, stop. Teresa calls Marge, old hag Nancy, which I have no idea what is in reference to, and Andy says they’re both acting like a-holes. He thanks Jackie and Jen, and says, they’re going to bring out the Jersey men.

The guys come out of the dressing room, and some of the women take a pee break. Danielle says, they set her up, and Melissa tells Joe #2, this is next level sh*t. Andy goes backstage, and tells Louie that he’s worried about emotions getting out of control. He doesn’t want things to get physical. He’s the first line. Louie tells him not to worry, and thanks him for caring. Huh? Andy says, let’s do this, and tells Joe #2, don’t get out of his chair. Joe promises, and Louie says, it’s so sickening. Well, we agree there, just not for the same reasons.

Next time, Teresa thinks Andy should get Botox; Frank shows off his new teeth; Frankie working for Louie is discussed; John tells Louie to stop the bullsh*t; Marge says, Louie is under criminal investigation; Louie says, I know everything, let’s play (ugh on top of ugh over and over); Teresa is the first one out of her chair, pointing her finger at Joe #2; and Teresa walks out, screaming at the cameras, but this time, there’s no red Solo cup to throw.

🍿 This was really strange in spots. I swear, Teresa was either high or she’s totally losing it. There was one point, when they were talking about Laura, where she was obviously lost, bringing up things they’d just talked about like they hadn’t just talked about them. And Louie… WTF? This guy gets weirder every time we see him. There’s some kind of ticking time bomb there. I just hope it doesn’t end in tragic headlines.

🩰 In a Barbie World…

Come back tomorrow for soap and the finale of an even more awful Reunion. Until then stay safe, stay returning what you’ve borrowed, and stay dreaming bigger.

Jun2

June 1, 2023 – Anna Threatens the WSB, Soap Mix, Blame Game, VanderChaos, Coming Last, Prosperous Pets (!) & Style

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

THE POOL IS OPEN!!! Josslyn and Trina walk in, and Spencer jumps out. Clearly, he’s been working on his summer body. He says, finally. They have no idea what he had to do to defend their chaises. The dirty looks, and he’s gotten the oh-so polite questions from the staff as to when the rest of his party will be here. Josslyn says she’s sure it was a hideous strain, but she thanks him for enduring it on their behalf. Trina asks how they can ever repay him? and he says, for her, he’ll think of something. Josslyn doesn’t owe him anything. He wasn’t saving the chaise for her, but he knew she’d be with Trina, and Trina would want her to have one. Josslyn tells Trina, don’t worry; she still gets a chaise out of it. Trina asks if they’re going to do this all day, and Spencer says, just like old times. Trina says, before the DNA test results? Josslyn says, before the SEC charges? and Spencer says, before Greenland? Josslyn leaves for a moment, and Spencer says, the only one missing is Cameron. Trina asks if he’s going to make this weird, and he says he won’t… He might though. Trina sees Dex and Josslyn kissing.

Portia nearly runs into Curtis at the bottom of the stairs, and she says, there’s a fresh pot of coffee on. She’s got some fresh fruit and there’s eggs in the fridge… He says he’s not a houseguest. He can make his own breakfast. She says she guesses she’s just adjusting to him being back home. She wasn’t sure he’d come back home after finding out Trina is his biological daughter. She asks what made him decide to stay, when the doorbell rings. It’s Stella.

Jordan brings TJ coffee at the hospital, and he says, thanks; he needed this. She says, clearly he does. He forgot they were meeting for coffee. He says he’s sorry. It’s been a rough morning, and it completely slipped his mind. Molly spent the night at her mom’s house. Jordan asks if something happened, and he says he really messed up.

There’s a knock at Laura’s door, and she answers it to Valentin. He says he believes she has something that belongs to him.

Anna paces, when Hursley walks in. She asks why she’s under arrest, and he asks if she reads The Sun. She says she doesn’t read that rag, and he says, she should. The WSB got wind last night that she made the front page. He tosses the paper on the table, and she picks it up, seeing her picture with ANNA DEVANE DOUBLE AGENT underneath it. He asks if she has any idea how she made the cover.

Josslyn says she didn’t think Dex would show up, and he says he couldn’t say no to her, but he’s not sure her plan’s going to work. Spencer hates his guts and he doesn’t see that changing.

Spencer asks Trina if Dex doesn’t have some crimes to commit. Some kneecaps to break; suckers to punch. She says, Josslyn invited him, and he asks when she’s going to realize he’s a dead end loser and dump him. She says, he’s important to Josslyn, and they’re all spending time together unless he wants to lose Josslyn as a friend. He says, it won’t be the first time he’s lost a friend to Dex, and she says, Cameron got a soccer scholarship at Stanford. Dex’s relationship with Josslyn didn’t force him to leave. He says, it certainly made things easier, didn’t it? He knows if push came to shove, Josslyn would choose him over Dex, and Trina looks at them, and says, oh yeah. Josslyn is definitely not dumping Dex for him. He says, Josslyn may forget about Cameron, but he won’t. Josslyn and Dex walk over to them, and Dex holds out his hand, saying, no hard feelings?

Stella asks if Marshall is here. She just came by for his gumbo recipe. Portia says, he’s out, but she can tell him that Stella stopped by, and Curtis asks if Stella came by to chat about gumbo. Stella says, Marshall called her last night, and he told her about Trina’s paternity. She thought it was time for her and Curtis to clear the air.

TJ tells Jordan that he’s sorry. He didn’t mean to open a vein. She says, he’s free to unload on her any time. What’s going on with him and Molly, or is it none of her business? He says, she knows he and Molly have been talking about starting a family. They met with Dr. Navarro, and they’re having some fertility issues. She says she’s so sorry, and he says, things got really tense between them. He said some things he shouldn’t have. Molly raced out of the apartment, and went to her mom’s. He spent the night pacing. He wants her to come home. Jordan says, she will. He and Molly have the kind of partnership other people dream about. They’ll get through this. He says he hopes she’s right. He feels like, just when Molly needed him the most, he pushed her away. She asks if he’s sure about that, and he looks up to see Molly.

Laura says, Valentin missed the reading of his father’s will, but Valentin says he didn’t. Martin filled him in on the details. She says, so he received his inheritance then? and he says, she means the finger? It was cute. He laughed himself silly, but the man’s still dead. She says, he managed to get his point across, even from beyond the grave, didn’t he? and Valentin asks if she saw what he left for Anna. She says, he said he left her the truth, which didn’t make any sense until she got up and read the morning paper, and he says he saw that too. Anna’s been arrested by the WSB. She says she didn’t know that, and he says, a source of his at the Bureau said Victor obviously stole a copy of Anna’s personal file before going missing year’s ago, and made arrangements to have it made public in the event of his untimely death. She says, the paper claimed to have obtained classified documents from the WSB, and he says his father obviously isn’t done ruining people’s lives. Luckily, he won’t have any influence on the younger generation of Cassadines. Anyway, he digresses. Martin said Victor left something else for him, aside from the finger. She says, it’s not for him; this is for Charlotte. She hands him a velvet pouch, and he takes out a pendant necklace with the Cassadine crest on it.

Anna tells Hursley that she doesn’t need to read any more of that. It’s her life after all. He says, her cover is blown, but she says, there’s nothing in that article the Bureau didn’t know about already. He says, don’t go any further. They’re doing this by the book. She asks what they’re doing, and he tells an agent to bring him in. She asks, what’s happening? when the agent lets Martin in through another door. She asks what he’s doing here, and Martin says, Valentin called him late last night, and said she was arrested. They’ll have to forgive his appearance. The Bureau kept him waiting for hours. Anna says, so this arrest is a mistake. Someone overreacted while talking to the higherups. Hursley says, on the contrary. She’s being accused of a crime against the state. She says, what crime? and he says, treason.

Laura says, even though it was meant for Charlotte, she thought it was best to give it to Valentin, and he says, the Cassadine crest. She says she hates that thing, and he says he can’t say that he blames her. He left his in a box for many years, until he was ready to come forward and claim what he thought was his rightful inheritance before he put it on his finger. She says, her first instinct was to throw that thing into the harbor. It represents everything she loathes about the Cassadines; everything she doesn’t want her granddaughter to be. But it belongs to Charlotte, and as her father, he gets to decide. He says he doesn’t know that throwing it in the harbor will make Charlotte any less of a Cassadine. His father’s gone, and with him, his influence and expectations. So it’s his hope that Charlotte can create a new legacy for her family.

Portia says, maybe she can move things around at work and stay, and Stella says, thank you, but this conversation between her and Curtis is long overdue. Portia says she’s the one responsible for the tension between the two of them. Maybe she should stay and be a part of this. Stella says she wishes Portia had been honest from the beginning, but she’s not entirely to blame. Curtis is a man who wants the truth, and there are some hard truths they need to talk about. Go on; they’ll be fine. Portia leaves, and Curtis brings Stella some coffee and sits next  to her. He says, now that they know Trina is his, does she want to explain why she kept that information to herself?

Spencer shakes Dex’s hand, saying, he’s glad Dex could join them, and Dex says, him too. Can he get anybody any snacks or drinks? Trina says, orange juice, and Spencer says, make that two. Dex and Josslyn go to the bar, and Spencer says he can’t believe he’s being forced to spend time with that thug. Trina tells him that she’s only going to say this once more; let… it… go. He says, Heller is the one who punched him. He did let it go. He shook the man’s hand, didn’t he? She says, like he was diseased or something. Spencer says he spends enough time taking care of his little brother. Doesn’t she think he deserves a morning with his friends? She says, maybe he should think about his brother. He’s the one who took the first swing at Dex, right? He says, yes… so…? and she says, if he starts another fight, it could possibly blow up into something worse. Does he think a judge would be happy to see he got in trouble again? Is that what a responsible guardian would do?

Anna asks if Hursley is insane, and Martin says, now that he’s finally in the room, he’d like to speak to his client in private. Hursley says, of course (🍷), and he and the other agent leave. Anna asks, what’s going on? and Martin says, the media, and she’s officially a sitting duck. They’re particularly interested in what aspect of the file Victor got released, detailing her life as a double agent. She says, the Bureau knew about this already, and he says, maybe they did, but the public didn’t. Now The Sun’s got hold of it. Her name, hell, her entire history is about to be splashed across the front page of every paper, website, and cable news broadcast in the entire country. This is bad. The public will want answers. They’ll think they want justice. She asks how she’s supposed to defend herself against accusations that are true.

Valentin puts the necklace in his pocket, and Laura brings him coffee. There’s a lot of that going around today. She says she was wondering if he could help her with something. Has he by any chance seen the Cassadine property in Chechnya? He says, on the Terek River; yes, he has. Several years ago, he had to see it for himself. It’s been in the family for 200 years at least. He’s a little surprised the Soviets didn’t take possession of it, and why it’s not in the hands of the current government. She says, it seems Victor has left it to Nikolas, and hands him the deed. She thinks this may be where Victor took Nikolas to recuperate… from when Valentin shot him. He says, that was in self-defense, and she says, let’s not revisit it. He agrees, and asks if she thinks Nikolas is at the property. She says she doesn’t know; it could just be wishful thinking. He says, anything’s possible, but if he is there, given the current political climate, it will be tougher to leave the country without raising red flags. That’s assuming he wants to leave. She says she’s sure he doesn’t, but she has to find him and bring him home.

Spencer tells Trina, fine. He’ll play nice with Dex, but he’s not going to forgive Dex for what he did to Cameron. She says, they may never know exactly what happened between Joss and Cam, but everyone could see it wasn’t working at the end. But now Cam has a scholarship at Stanford, and Joss and Dex – she looks over at them – seem really happy together. Doesn’t Joss deserve that? Josslyn and Dex come back with the drinks, and Spencer says he’s sorry about the punch yesterday. Dex says he’s sorry he hit Spencer in the face, and Spencer says, Dex got him pretty good. Dex doesn’t seem to have a mark on him though. Dex says he can teach Spencer how to block… Never mind. Spencer says, no, go ahead, and Dex shows him some moves as the girls laugh together.

Jordan says, it’s been a while, and Molly says, it’s been too long. She suggests they put it on the calendar, and Jordan says she’ll text Molly some dates. She says she has to check in with the station, and leaves. TJ asks if Molly got a good night’s sleep at her mom’s, but she says she tossed and turned all night. What about him? He says, same. Spending the night apart is not fun. She says she’s sorry she spent the night away. She just needed some time to think. He says she has nothing to apologize for. He was the one who was totally inconsiderate. The words came out wrong, and he doesn’t blame her; he never would. Can she forgive him?

On the phone, Jordan says, no word from the WSB on Anna’s arrest?… Let her know if they hear anything. Portia says she hopes she’s not interrupting anything, but Jordan says, not at all. What’s on her mind? Portia says she was just wondering if Jordan has spoken with Taggert at all recently, and Jordan says, no; why? Portia says, he might need a friend right about now, and Jordan says, the DNA results came back. And Curtis is Trina’s father.

Stella says, why didn’t she tell Curtis that she suspected he was Trina’s father? She’s been asking herself that question a lot lately. He asks if she was able to find an answer, and she says she was trying to get back to the day of his wedding, and why she couldn’t officiate. He tells her that she said something about her conscience, and she says she couldn’t in good conscience marry him and Portia, knowing Portia hadn’t told him that he might be Trina’s father. She didn’t feel she should be the one to tell him; she convinced herself of that. That she couldn’t interfere, because he and Portia seemed so happy, and she didn’t want to get in the way of that. He says, so what changed? Why now? She says, ultimately, she caused more pain and heartache by keeping silent, and she’s sorry. She hopes he can forgive her.

Anna tells Martin, early in her career, she was compromised by the DVX, specifically, Cesar Faison. She thought she could outwit him, but she couldn’t. So she ended up leaving here for a bit, then she came back… eventually. She gave them full disclosure; she told them everything, and she was reinstated. She’s had a clean record ever since. The Bureau has trusted her for decades. He says, none of that’s going to make any difference to the general public. That article does a good job of painting her as a total Judas. A trusted agent, somebody with clearance, access to privileged information. Somebody who betrayed her own agency. She says, this is all ancient history. The only difference now is the media spotlight… and the fact Frisco has been replaced as Director. Now the Bureau wants to distance themselves from her actions. They’re charging her with treason to cover their own asses. He says, that’s exactly what they’re doing, which is why Valentin was right to call him. It’s time for him to protect her. This isn’t cloak and dagger. It’s public, it’s Federal, and that story’s not going away.

Valentin says, Laura wants to go to Chechnya to look for Nikolas? and she says, didn’t they do that for Charlotte? He says, Charlotte was in a boarding school in Switzerland; not exactly a war torn country. And Charlotte wanted to come home. They don’t know what Nikolas will want. She says she’s not that concerned about what her son wants. He’s needed here. Valentin says, and certainly wanted by the PCPD, and she says she’s sure he’s going to face some very unpleasant consequences for his behavior. He says, he held a pregnant woman in a tower at Windymere, and she says, at least he’ll be back in Port Charles and near his sons. He says, what about the people in Port Charles who need her? What happens if she doesn’t come home safe? She says she can’t think about that. She feels like a part of her is missing. She needs to find that part. He says he understands. And if she’s not going to worry about her own safety, somebody has to. So if she’s going to Chechnya, he insists on going with her.

Martin says he knows Anna said she was going to do this, but hear him out. She says, they have different rules, and he says he’s sure, but he really doesn’t care. He’s been sitting out there, growing old, drinking bad coffee, waiting to do his job, and she’s going to let him do it. He doesn’t know a whole lot about the inner workings – she says, he doesn’t know anything – but he knows she needs representation. Valentin was crystal clear. She’s not the only person in the world who’s good at their job. He’s already on retainer with Valentin. Valentin has ordered him to protect her, and he will comply. She says, fine, and sits down. He opens the door and says, we’re ready for you. Hursley comes in, and he and Martin sit. Hursley says he trusts Anna’s lawyer has brought her up to speed, and she says, yes, that the Bureau is hanging her out to dry. She’s aware. Martin says, there’s something he doesn’t understand. Perhaps Hursley can help him. Anna’s been honest about her history with the DVX for years, and since that time, she’s proved over and over again that she’s loyal, courageous… Hell, she’s a solid gold asset to the Bureau. Why all of a sudden is her dedication being called into question? Hursley says, it doesn’t matter that they appreciated Agent Devane’s work; their hands are tied. Her entire dossier has been released, and the public knows she’s never been held accountable for her crimes. Not until now.

In the pool, Trina tells Spencer, don’t dunk her or splash her, and he asks if those are the Trina Robinson pool rules. She says, set in stone, and kisses him. Josslyn and Dex are sitting on chaises, and Josslyn thanks Dex for not punching Spencer, but he says, Spencer’s not so bad. She says, he’s crazy about Trina. She thinks they might actually be in love. Which for Spencer means showing off, and Trina hates when he does that, but he knows Dex is ex-military, and she thinks he just wanted to prove he was tougher than Dex… and couldn’t. She hopes he’s embarrassed. He says, they’re going to be spending a lot of time together, hopefully poolside, and he wants her friends to like him. She says she likes him, and he says, the feeling’s mutual. He’s surprised she wanted to do this today. He thought she’d be at the hospital. She says, no, but there is something she wanted to talk to him about, and he says, about Willow? She says, no, Willow’s great, considering everything. Her doctors are optimistic. It’s about Michael. Things are pretty bad between them right now. He says, because of him, but she says, everything. Everything’s just gotten spun out of proportion. He says he’s sorry; how can he help? She suggests they go somewhere private to talk, and they leave. Trina thanks Spencer, and he says, for what? she says, for making an effort. She knows it wasn’t easy. She knows Joss appreciates it; so does she. He says he’s doing this for her, and she thanks him. With everything else going on in her life, she doesn’t want to worry about their relationship. He says he didn’t want to pry, but if she wants to talk, he’s here, and she says she honestly doesn’t know what to say.

Martin says, Hursley is talking about crimes that are decades old. That’s not who Anna is, and he knows it. What about the valor and bravery she’s displayed in the last two weeks alone? She got out of a hospital bed to take on Victor Cassadine. She stopped him from deploying a pathogen that would have wiped out millions. Anna tells Martin, stop. He’s wasting his breath. Hursley says, the new head of the WSB can no longer turn a blind eye to the agency’s past. If Agent Devane chooses to dispute the charges, the Bureau might need to take a closer look at Robert Scorpio, or Annie Donnelly, or any other colleagues who might be stained by her misdeeds. Anna says, hold on a minute. If she’s being asked to do what she thinks she’s being asked to do, then she needs assurances, but Hursley says, they’re not in the business of negotiating with double agents. Anna says, really? That’s a shame. Because what if her file is incomplete? What if there are other missions she took; other black ops that didn’t make it into her dossier or the WSB official books? Suppose she has evidence of these hypothetical ops hidden in some secure location? Evidence of activities that would seriously embarrass the WSB, far more than any news that’s being tallied around. Hursley asks if that’s a threat, and Martin says, oh no. He thinks what Anna is saying is… Anna says, what she’s saying is, if anything happens to Robert or Annie or anyone else she cares about, she’s taking the Bureau down with her.

Josslyn says, her mom has the chance to avoid these insider trading charges if she gets evidence against Sonny, and Dex asks, would she do it? Josslyn says, no. Of course (🍷) not. She won’t even consider it, but she doesn’t have to. Josslyn can do it for her.  

Spencer asks if Trina regrets taking the DNA test, but she says, no. She just misses her family the way they were. He says, she’ll find her way back to them. It’ll be different, but she and her mother had a great relationship. He’s always been jealous of it. She says she knows it could be way worse. At least everyone is healthy and safe and relatively sane. He looks off in the distance and she asks where he went. He says he was just thinking about something his Uncle Victor told him. He said something about Spencer having to safeguard his family, but all he left Spencer is a key to a safety deposit box. (That’s all? Geez, there could be billions in there for all Spencer knows.) She asks if he’s opened the box yet, but he says, no. He doesn’t know what he’ll find in there, considering everything Victor did while he was still alive. She says, safeguard his family. He meant Ace, right? Spencer says he thinks so, and she says, then the next question is; safeguard them from whom?

Molly says, of course (🍷) she can forgive TJ, but she understands why he was so confused. She’s been all over the place. He says, for good reason. He hates that she’s been in pain because she went undiagnosed. She says, she should have pushed it with the OB/GYN, but he says, that’s the doctor’s responsibility. They should have listened to her experience and asked for details. It’s the first thing they teach you in med school; you listen to your patient. You respect them. That didn’t happen for her. She says, it’s been a long time since she’s thought about it. Yes, it was isolating, scary even, to be told your pain is all in your head. (Wow. I didn’t think doctors told women that anymore.) He says he’s so sorry, and promises he never has and never will say that to anyone under his care. She says, that’s why she loves him so much. She thought she had to deal with this diagnosis on her own, like always, but now that she’s told him and her mom and her sisters, she knows that’s not true. She’s not alone, and if she’s not alone, anything is possible.

Curtis tells Stella that he and Trina are making progress, but it’s not easy, and she says she can’t imagine it would be. He says he’s just trying to take it slow, and make it abundantly clear that he’s not trying to replace Taggert, and he trusts that one day, he and Trina can develop their own special relationship. She says, they will. May she ask him about how he and Portia are doing? He says he’s not sure, and she says, but he moved back in. That’s progress, right? He says, it’s possible, and she asks what made him move back. He says, a situation arose between him and Jordan. They’d been spending some time together. She was helping him through all of this, and it happened. She says, oh my goodness, and he says he quickly realized that he needed – he wanted – to give his marriage to Portia a chance. So he came home. She says she’s glad to hear it; she truly is. How did Jordan take it? I’m wondering what Stella is thinking, given that Curtis made it sound like it was more than a kiss. A situation and it happened?

Portia tells Jordan, honestly, she doesn’t know how Curtis is doing either. They knew he could be Trina’s biological father, but now that it’s been confirmed, now that they know the truth… At least Stella stopped by, and she’s hoping Curtis can work things out with her. Jordan says, Stella’s back in town? and Portia says, she came to check on Trina after everything that happened in Greenland. So she’s hoping when she gets home from work, maybe Curtis and Stella will have made some progress. Jordan says she’s a little confused. What does Portia mean, home? Portia says she’s sorry; she’s all over the place. It’s the one thing that’s given her hope. Curtis decided to move back home.

Laura says, Valentin wants to go to Chechnya with her? Valentin says, does he want to? No, of course (🍷) not. But if she’s determined to go, he’s not letting her go alone. Besides, he knows a little Russian. She tells him that she honestly doesn’t know what to say, and thanks him. He tells her that she doesn’t have to say anything. Just say she wants to do this incredibly dangerous thing, and let him know when they’re leaving.

Curtis says he hasn’t spoken to Jordan yet, and Stella says, Jordan doesn’t know he moved back in with Portia? He says, there’s a lot of moving pieces… and she says, oh Lord. She’s in no position to tell him what to do, but please don’t wait. He needs to talk to Jordan, and he needs to do it now.

Jordan says, Curtis moved back in? and Portia says, they both decided it’s the only way to really make their marriage work.

TJ asks what Molly means, anything is possible? and she says, if he’s open to it, there’s more than one way to start a family. They hug.

Anna asks Hursley, what’s it going to be? Unlike the WSB, she does not make idle threats. Hursley is silent for a moment, then says, her friends are safe. He leaves, and Martin asks, what the hell just happened? Is he going ahead with the charges or not? Anna says, not, and he asks, why? What was all this about? What did he want? She says, he didn’t want anything. She doesn’t think the Bureau did. This is all just Victor. He wanted her resignation. She’s no longer an agent, nor will she ever be again.

Trina gets out of the pool, and Spencer says, taking off? She says, they’re going to the bank. They need to see who Victor thinks is the biggest threat to his family. He says, forget it. He doesn’t exactly trust his not-so dearly departed uncle. She asks who Victor would see as the biggest threat to his baby brother, and he asks how she expects him to know that. She says, by opening the deposit box – now, and he says, she’s not going to take no for an answer, is she? She asks what he thinks, and he gets out of the pool.

Dex says, Josslyn’s mom doesn’t want to make a deal with the Feds, so Josslyn is going to make one for her? She says, all Dex has to do is give her the evidence of Sonny working with Pikeman, and she’ll do what her mom can’t, and she’ll turn Sonny in, once and for all.

Tomorrow, Mason comes back to bother Austin; Michael says, there’s a way to insure Carly never has to open her mouth; and Sonny says, Ned’s not going anywhere.  

🛀🏽 Slow Week In Soaps…

The good.

Josh Kelly Remembers His Fallen Friend on Memorial Day

The bad.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-and-days-alum-tyler-christopher-arrested

🔐 Pick a Prison Lane…

She’s a moron.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1375854/teresa-giudice-accuses-melissa-gorga-of-sending-her-to-prison-in-rhonj-reunion-shocker

🍸 Reviewing the Situation…

I don’t blame her.

https://okmagazine.com/p/chrissy-teigen-livid-john-legend-messing-vanderpump-rules-live-stream/

He’s even infected cosmetics.

OPI Pokes Fun at Tom Sandoval’s Nail Polish Backlash Amid Scandoval Drama

The only one putting on a front was Sandoval.

https://pagesix.com/2023/05/31/tom-sandoval-explodes-at-pump-rules-producer-in-meltdown-over-raquel/

This amusing recap was written by someone who doesn’t watch the show, but says they may watch it now. Don’t bother. As sad as it is to say, this was the best thing that could have happened to the show. New cast members weren’t really helping. I can’t even remember the names of the ones who’ve come and gone, although Charli stuck around. I have the feeling, it will all be downhill after this season. I’ll always be watching to get glimpses of Lisa, Puffy (!), and the palace/zoo that is Villa Rosa. But sometimes when you know it doesn’t get any better (or more dramatic) than this, it’s time to say goodbye. I stopped watching American Idol after the season where there was a hero – Scotty McCreary – and a villain – Haley Reinhart – and Lady Gaga sang Edge of Glory. They couldn’t top it if they tried. I also stopped watching the Academy Awards after the year I knew two people who were up for one. Short of receiving one myself, I can’t imagine anything more exciting.

https://ew.com/tv/vanderpump-rules-reunion-part-1-recap/

Just because I’ve grown to like Lala. And Sandoval gets more awful by the day.

https://www.etonline.com/lala-kent-says-shes-disgusted-by-tom-sandovals-vanderpump-rules-reunion-comment-about-her-daughter#taboola_organic

A blow-by-blow on Sandoval’s big baby tantrum with the producers. He acts like he’s Brad Pitt, and even Brad Pitt doesn’t act that way.

https://www.etonline.com/vanderpump-rules-star-tom-sandoval-threatens-to-stop-filming-after-scene-with-raquel-leviss-200441#taboola_organic

🌋 News Of the Last…

The latest on the apocalypse aftermath.

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/the-last-of-us-tlou-season-2-casting-on-hold/

https://collider.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-cast-plot-release-window-creators-pedro-pascal-bella-ramsey/

🦔 Pets With Bank…

But they deserve every penny of it.

Taylor Swift’s feline Olivia Benson and other richest celebrity pets to know about

🪣 Talk Clean To Me…

Drop in tomorrow for the Friday free-for-all of soap, a cup or three of tea, some astute words, and an applicable tune for the month. Until then, stay safe, stay not blocking the aisles in the grocery store, and stay never believing pain is all in your head. Even if it is, it still needs to be treated.

Psy‘s Gangnam Style became the first video to reach 2 billion views on YouTube on May 31st in 2014. (A little late, but still worthy.)